Sergio Garcia Breaks Driver During Masters Round, Draws Gasps

Sergio Garcia Breaks Driver During Masters Round, Draws Gasps...

Sergio Garcia snapped his driver in frustration during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament on Friday, creating an unexpected spectacle at Augusta National. The dramatic moment, captured by ESPN cameras, occurred after the 46-year-old Spaniard hooked his tee shot into the trees on the 11th hole.

The 2017 Masters champion slammed his club against his bag in anger, causing the head to detach from the shaft. Tournament officials confirmed Garcia continued play with a backup driver, finishing the day at 3-over par. The incident quickly went viral, with the hashtag #GarciaDriver trending on Twitter.

Golf analysts noted this marks the first time in recent memory a player has broken a club during competitive play at Augusta. The Masters' strict etiquette policies make such outbursts rare, though Garcia has a history of emotional reactions during tournaments.

Viewers reacted strongly to the moment on social media. Some criticized Garcia's temper, while others sympathized with the pressure of competing at golf's most prestigious major. The incident overshadowed much of Friday's early coverage, becoming the tournament's most-discussed moment so far.

Augusta National representatives declined to comment on whether Garcia would face any disciplinary action. Under PGA Tour rules, intentionally damaging equipment can result in fines, though enforcement at majors varies. Garcia is scheduled to tee off Saturday morning, assuming he makes the cut.

The 2026 Masters continues through Sunday, with first-round leader Scottie Scheffler maintaining his advantage during Friday's play. Garcia's equipment malfunction adds another unpredictable element to a tournament already marked by challenging windy conditions at the Georgia course.