News
Sergio Garcia DQd for “serious misconduct” after damaging greens at Saudi International
Sergio Garcia has been disqualified from the Saudi International after violating rule 1.2a, the European Tour said in a statement.
The rule allows for player disqualification in instances of serious misconduct.
According to Martin Dempster of the Scotsman, players behind Garcia alerted rules officials to the damage during the third round, which resulted in a meeting with chief executive Keith Pelley following the conclusion of the Spaniard’s round.
Garcia, who opened the competition at Royal Greens G&CC with rounds of 69, 70, said in the statement
“I respect the decision of my disqualification. In frustration, I damaged a couple of greens, for which I apologise for, and I have informed my fellow players it will never happen again.”
Garcia had already taken his frustrations out on a bunker during the tournament’s second round and indicated the course’s paspalum greens weren’t to his liking earlier in the week.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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DaveJ
Feb 4, 2019 at 9:55 pm
As someone who suffers from fits of rage myself, I can tell you that it isn’t something you can just stop doing. You can work to control it and mask it, but at some point your anger will get the better of you. You are immediately embarrassed and regretful but in the moment it can be impossible to get away from it. That being said, it was right to DQ him and he should probably be fined/suspended as well because the behavior can’t be condoned.
Tom
Feb 4, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Tiger swore and threw clubs, was never suspended or penalized now was he?
JP
Feb 6, 2019 at 10:18 pm
And that has what to do with Sergio damaging greens? Completely different offenses.
Cm
Feb 4, 2019 at 1:45 pm
I can’t decide till I see the pictures of the greens. Still think Rahm is far worse slamming clubs regularly.
joro
Feb 4, 2019 at 12:38 pm
La la la, same old thing. He has a fit, reacts with a negative and then apologizes “I weel never do eet again, that is until next time. Face it, Sergio is nothing but a spoiled brat who thinks the World is against him and says so. Of course he does nothing to change that with his according to the pitiful “talking Heads” announcers who refer to his actions as the Fiery Spaniard. Fiery my fat ass, he is a spoiled little brat.
Suspend him for a few tournaments and see how bit the fire is after that.
Dr Remo
Feb 4, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Garcia deserves it.
Wish the same conduct standards applied to tennis…..e.g. Serena Williams’ outbursts and physically threatening line judges are a disgrace and should result in suspension.
Darryl
Feb 4, 2019 at 7:19 am
Whilst he’s no worse for losing his temper than any other of a dozen reasonably big name players out there, it’s what he does when he loses his temper that baffles. Petulance is one thing when you break your driver or putter over your knee, it’s another thing completely when you damage the playing surfaces, also the fact he did it on multiple greens. Ok, the red mist came down and he did something stupid in the first instance, he realises his mistake, apologises profusely, offers to WD and/or waive appearance fee, case closed. But to do it over and over again? Referee should have hauled him up for it at the very least. Disappointed the European tour haven’t announced at least a token ban. Surely they have to take into account the fact that he has very nearly injured spectators in the past. Apologists can no longer even say “it’s just frustration from never having won a major”, which always used to be the line. Monty was a properly bad tempered SOB when he played poorly and famously never won a proper major (face the facts, Champions tour), but I don’t remember him every carving a green up or throwing a club in a dangerous fashion, or fouling the hole. I’ve been a Sergio fan a long time and really enjoyed watching him break his major duck at Augusta in 2017, but he’s becoming impossible to justify supporting.
GolfConsumer
Feb 4, 2019 at 1:13 am
Callaway should drop his immature a__.
Thats it, I’m not buying another piece of Callaway golf equipment until they drop him!
jgpl001
Feb 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm
Anger, frustration, well we have all experienced that
Kick your bag, slam a club, swear, we have all done that
Damaging the golf course – WAY OUT OF ORDER, NOT ACCEPTABLE
Ban the brat
Chris
Feb 3, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Y’all are hating because you have immunity online. Be quiet, everyone gets mad. Go wash your super cavity back irons that you still shank.
JP
Feb 4, 2019 at 12:47 am
And the fact that many of us play SGI irons and aren’t good golfers justifies Sergio in some way? Please explain.
john
Feb 5, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Very mature response. Not.
There’s getting mad and there’s getting mad. Sergio damaged five green – something I assume you’d be unhappy at if it was a member of your club doing it. Garcia has a hugely privileged life and the least he can do is act like the role model he is to many young golfers. Sergio seems like a decent enough guy, if a little emotional. I’m sure he’ll be hugely embarrassed by how he acted and would accept any criticism that comes his way.
Dave C.
Feb 3, 2019 at 6:37 am
Many millions of dollars usually make most people jerks.
Golf pros, football players, capitalists, old money, new money.
Chip2Win
Feb 3, 2019 at 8:38 am
I’m pretty sure there are lots of poor people who are jerks too.
Central Oregon Golf
Feb 2, 2019 at 11:34 pm
I hope he never wins again. Should have kicked him off the course immediately instead of after round. Agree on more severe penalty in the way of suspension, fine, and maintenance fee to fix & improve course. Maybe the tours should sponsor anger management as well?!
Safe Hans
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:03 am
Totally agree, he should be serving a ban for what he did – a serious lack of respect to the course and our game.
Johnny Rebel
Feb 2, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Sergio acts like a n igger when he doesn’t get his way.
AC in TX
Feb 2, 2019 at 9:26 pm
I damage greens all the time – it’s called hitting it fat … very fat.
JP
Feb 3, 2019 at 10:23 am
Either you don’t know the difference between greens and fairways, or you really have no business putting.
Jose Pinatas
Feb 2, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Can someone post a video of this? I love Sergio meltdowns, super entertaining..
JP
Feb 2, 2019 at 9:34 pm
Yeah, I’d like to see what kind of damage he caused with a putter and how he tried to disguise it as normal play. What a JackA$$
Oldplayer
Feb 2, 2019 at 4:26 pm
This behavior shows the character of the guy much more than any words.
What a spoiled brat. He’s off my list for sure.
Benjamin Kaiser
Feb 3, 2019 at 8:47 am
True dat
Nolan
Feb 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm
He’s lucky the Prince didn’t make him disappear.
cdj
Feb 2, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Year back at Tour Championship SG hit a drive from tee box where I was at the time. Shot started on a good line to which I responded “good shot” or the like. He did not like where it ended up and looked at me saying “yeah, nice shot” in his snarky voice while slamming the tee marker.
Dude has Jameis Winston syndrome.
Acemandrake
Feb 2, 2019 at 1:18 pm
No gratitude for God-given & earthly riches.
When will he grow up?
Robert
Feb 4, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Will he EVER grow up. No more Callaway or Adidas until he is gone.
Kolby
Feb 2, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Suspend Sergio Garcia from both Tours until AFTER Augusta! LOL
Johnny balls
Feb 2, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Paspalum sucks. Saudi Arabia sucks. No booze. Screw that place.
francisco borja lopez diez
Feb 4, 2019 at 7:27 am
The players had a yacht next to their hotel in which they were being served alcohol afer 9 pm…and 25 girls to entertain from Russia, Poland…
They had a concert with Mariah Carey as well as a dj session form DJ Tiesto. The country may not be your favorite place, but be sure these guys were treated much better than a regular tourist
john
Feb 11, 2019 at 11:33 am
A Mariah Carey concert sounds like ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ to me. Might explain Sergio’s meltdown.
stevez
Feb 21, 2019 at 1:00 pm
I thought I read he was happily married, new baby, and Masters Champ. Wass the problem now
Alan Schwepps
Feb 2, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Gee I wonder if he’s going to get fined more than $98,000 that Li got dinged for his asinine rule violation.
Make him pay to fix the green’s and fine him $250,000 for being a douche nozzle….
dat
Feb 2, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Pathetic, this isn’t a drunken muni round, Sergio.
Rory O Donnell
Feb 2, 2019 at 11:14 am
Spitting into holes and now this
Bert Gwaltney
Feb 2, 2019 at 10:09 am
Sometimes I’m confused about “like” or “shank” If I click “like” does that mean I like that he was DQ’ed or “like” what he did. If I click “shank” does that mean I don’t agree with the DQ or agree with it.
Maybe it’s rather I “like or shank” the article?
I’m glad he was DQ’ed, and yes he’s had it coming for a long time. Good on you European Tour. Maybe the PGA Tour will see your example of enforcing the Rules of Golf.
Denny Jones
Feb 2, 2019 at 9:17 am
DQ like this should be swift and have more bite. Instead of just a DQ, the penalty should be more severe. If they weren’t allow to participate in a major because of a fit of rage, the rage would disappear.
joe
Feb 2, 2019 at 10:04 am
Im a Sergio fan but I agree with you. This act stresses my affinity for him. And he is habitual so maybe a 3 event suspension?
Bert Gwaltney
Feb 2, 2019 at 10:17 am
Again he has embarrassed himself, displayed his lack of respect for the game and fellow competitors. I’ve had tried to accept his behavior as being immature, or having a fiery Spaniard temperament, but this goes past that.
Sad news for the game and Champion golfer. I suspect he will lose all respect from those who love and support the game, the patrons.
Mower
Feb 2, 2019 at 12:26 pm
“I damaged a couple of greens.” WTF!?
Yeah, time to crack down on this shit.