By Hector Vickers
Both Robert Macintyre and Sergio Garcia had weeks to forget at the 90th edition of The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
The respective PGA and LIV golfers lost their cool during a challenging week in Georgia.
The former shocked many by failing to make the cut, and the latter came third last of those that did make it to the weekend.
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Garcia apologizes
Garcia’s nadir came early on Sunday.
Entering the final round with the already unfavourable aggregate of five-over-par, the Spaniard started poorly.
On the par-five second hole, he was picked up slamming his club into the ground twice after finding a bunker off the tee.
The head of his driver eventually dislodged after smashing it into a bystanding cooler, leaving Garcia to play the rest of the round without the reassurance of his biggest club.
The 2017 Masters champion managed to rally somewhat, shooting three over par to finish +8 for the week.
A mistake, sure. But Garcia was quick to recognize the error of his ways, and took to ‘X’ to make amends.
“I want to apologise for my actions on Sunday at The Masters tournament. I respect and value everything that The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to golf”, the 46-year-old said.
“I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game.
“It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for The Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world,” he continued.
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Macintyre adds fuel to the fire
While Garcia’s moment of madness came in the heat of a Sunday at Augusta, Robert Macintyre’s blunder came in the opening round.
The Scotsman was tipped by some to don the famous green jacket come the end of the week, so a first round score of 80 (eight over par) was rightly disheartening for players and punters alike – let alone Macintyre himself.
The opening round on Thursday was not only challenged by dry Georgian overheads, but made far, far worse by a lamentable 15th hole.
The ‘Firethorn’, as it is known, claimed yet another victim in brutal fashion.
Having hit the water twice, Macintyre was reduced to a quadruple-bogey nine.
Disconsolated and drained by the Georgian sun, the world number 12 smashed his iron into the ground on the second time of finding water, before offering his middle finger to the centre of the 15th green.
He would go on to miss the weekend cut.
Penance or, for some, lack thereof
Perhaps this comes with seniority, but Garcia was sensible to admit his wrongdoing at an early stage – thus distancing his actions that Sunday from his normal, respectful, behaviour.
Macintyre, however, is yet to speak to the media, opting for a more tactless ploy.
His social media post of a gnome offering a middle finger is not only the antithesis of an apology, but also can be seen as a potential ridicule of the famous Augusta gnomes.
Reports suggest that Macintyre will face punitive measures from both The Masters and Augusta National, with some suggesting that his brief loss of temperament may go on to cost him a prestigious Masters invite next year.
Two separate cases, two separate conclusions, but both a poignant reminder to the humble punter.
Golf is tough, and takes its toll on even the best of players.
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