Opinion & Analysis
The (made-up) Sergio Garcia apology note
Dear Tiger,
I am leaving this note in your locker so that it can be our secret, at least until I mention it in my press conference.
How did things get so out of hand? It seems like just yesterday that we were going head to head in that PGA Championship at Medinah in 1999. You were fist-pumping and I was scissor-kicking, and the whole world loved us both. We were young and talented. We thought the golf world would celebrate us as we split the next thirty majors between us 50-50. OK, maybe 60-40.
At least that’s what I thought.
But as time passed, we both learned that what seems easy can suddenly become difficult. You learned that many people expect a great golfer to be a good guy; I learned that many people only respect a good guy if he’s a great golfer. We both know that neither case is necessarily true.
I cannot lie; over the years, it hurt to see you win major after major while I spent most weeks on the “best player never to win a major” list. It stung that when I had my opportunities, they would slip through my fingers like greased ball markers. I admit that after each of them the thought, “Tiger would have closed it out” flashed through mind.
At The Players Championship this year, it seemed like things were going to change. But then you pulled that club.
Look, I don’t know if you meant to do it. You probably didn’t. But the fact is, as much of a pain as it is the play in the same era as you, it is even more of a pain to play in the same group as you. You know that, and I think you actually enjoy it.
When you pulled that club and the crowd reacted, it was a total synopsis of the last 15 years. Everyone is more interested in watching what club you pick than watching the rest of us actually play. I was angry at the shot, at the crowd and at you. And starting with my statement after that round, I started to vent.
Fifteen years of frustration doesn’t go away quickly. When I was asked about the incident at the European Tour dinner in London, I was still mad. I wanted to hurt you. But just like that shot at The Players Championship, I pushed it much too far. Instead of tweaking you, I managed to show a limited ability in English, comedy, modern social studies and event planning.
Tiger, we don’t have to be friends, at least not while we are both competing for the same things. But we can compete respectfully, without the kind of base behavior that we see in other sports. We are professional golfers, and I think that means something. I think that we are different than other sportsmen. You are far from perfect and so am I. But in golf, as in life, when you make a mistake you own it and try to do better the next time.
Admitting when they are wrong is something that good men do. That’s why I’m leaving you this note, Tiger. Because no matter how great of a golfer I am or will be, it is more important that I am a good man. That’s what ultimately matters for me, my family and for the game. Deep down, I believe that you feel the same way.
Good luck, and hopefully we’ll see each other on Sunday afternoon, preferably in the final pairing.
– Sergio
Click here to read what members are saying the “Tour Talk” forum.
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
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I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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Silvio
Jun 14, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Tx Zak
I continue to think that Michael has written a good piece here. Golf is a gentleman’s sport and through his creative narrative Michael has given us a sensitive option of one way that the series of events could be read.
Please give Michael my compliments on the piece and I like the message he is sending out
Brian
Jun 14, 2013 at 1:47 pm
Lightn up Francis………..
sss2013
Jun 14, 2013 at 12:46 am
wat the hell kind of article is this? totally ridiculous! better made for tmz or radaronline – lol…
Zak Kozuchowski
Jun 13, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Cliff,
I don’t know what you mean. Michael’s story was not rude, and certainly didn’t attack anyone. It also wasn’t insulting or purposefully inflammatory.
To me, it nicely “capture[s] the essence of the issue fairly clearly,” as Silvio said in the comments above. But not everyone has the same view as me, which is why it’s in the opinion and analysis section.
– Zak
Zak Kozuchowski
Jun 13, 2013 at 4:35 pm
We follow the same rules on the front page as we do in the forums in moderating posts.
Learn more here — http://www.golfwrx.com/rules-and-terms/
But all you really need are the clif notes: “While debating and discussion is fine, we will not tolerate rudeness, insulting posts, personal attacks, or purposeless inflammatory posts.”
– Zak
CLIFF
Jun 13, 2013 at 4:51 pm
zak
I appreciate you chiming in here, but how exactly does the original article fit into the terms while it qualifies as rude, insulting, a personal attack, and a purposeful inflammatory post?
-CLIFF
Silvio
Jun 13, 2013 at 3:59 pm
I think that MW has probably captured the essence of the issue fairly clearly
Nice piece
Perry
Jun 13, 2013 at 3:15 pm
It appears that my comments were censored on here. I said nothing offensive or inappropiate. Interesting.
paul
Jun 13, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Low class literature.
Dirk
Jun 13, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Speaking of sarcasm…
Another great piece by Michael Williams! Way to go, Mike.
Jorge73
Jun 13, 2013 at 11:52 am
I dont understand how anyone can defend this dribble. Its aritlces like these that tarnish the reputation of wrx.
Andres
Jun 13, 2013 at 9:57 am
talk about taking things seriously, too much time on your hands, all of you.
Gmatt
Jun 13, 2013 at 10:37 am
+111111 Take a chill pill
WTF
Jun 13, 2013 at 9:20 am
This article is ridiculous! Seriously, how can this be on here?? I enjoy both of these guy’s golf, definitely a bigger fan of Tiger but this is just “too creative”, on the writer’s part. I won’t be surprised, If golfwrx is sued for this by El Nino camp and they should.
Richard
Jun 13, 2013 at 9:00 am
WRX unworthy article!
Tommy
Jun 13, 2013 at 12:08 am
This is the most poorly written “article” I’ve ever seen in WRX. Tiger and Sergio are professionals. The “writer” clearly is not.
Martin
Jun 13, 2013 at 5:09 am
Totally agree
Martin
Jun 13, 2013 at 5:10 am
I mean, totally agree with Tommy
Brian
Jun 12, 2013 at 8:50 pm
Yeah. This is absolutely ridiculous. I read the first couple sentences and wondered what the hell this was doing on here.
Pretty sad that something like this is even posted as a headlining article on golfwrx.
J_dub
Jun 12, 2013 at 7:15 pm
As vast as the internet is; seemingly infinite in size, this article is still a monumental waste of space.
RD
Jun 12, 2013 at 7:10 pm
umm .. did he actually apologize?
K.R.
Jun 12, 2013 at 7:06 pm
This is the most ridiculous thing i’ve seen on wrx. This poorly written, unimaginative attempt to get attention on a beaten to deaf subject is beyond silly. This piece of fan fiction takes away from the legitimacy that WRX has worked hard to obtain. Just being viewed on the opening page insults the real writers that contribute, such as Tom Wishon.
This is useless dribble that belongs in Star Magazine not GolfWRX. Take it down!
Danny
Jun 12, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Umm….Yeah i agree. What exactly does this accomplish?
Kirk
Jun 12, 2013 at 11:59 pm
You speak just like a Tiger hater. Most normal people would see it for what it is, sarcasm. Have you heard of it? It’s when you mix a little humor in with a little truth.
Perry
Jun 13, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Absolutely agree. I posted but was censored as far as I can tell. Mr. Williams should be ashamed of himself. So should the moderator that censored me.
scoot
Jun 12, 2013 at 5:44 pm
yada yada yada. fifteen yrs of frustration is Sergios way of being a “good” man. U blew it again El Nino