It’s been 10 days since Sergio Garcia made international headlines for a temper tantrum that would eventually result in his disqualification from the inaugural Saudi International on the European Tour for a serious breach of etiquette.
Garcia, who was caught on camera losing his cool in a bunker during the second round of the event, attempted to smooth things over on Tuesday prior to his first start of the season on the PGA Tour.
Sergio Won’t Be Suspended For Serious Breach DQ
Garcia posted a lengthy message to his Instagram page saying that he has reflected on his actions and once again apologized.
“Happy to be in my first @pgatour event of the season and have my brother on the bag again this year,” the Spaniard wrote. “I’ve obviously had some time to reflect, and want to again say I’m sorry to my fans and fellow competitors. What happened is not an example I want to set, and it’s not who I truly am. I am an emotional player and while I believe that’s one of my biggest strengths, it’s also one of my biggest flaws.
“I’m focused on working hard to channel that emotion the correct way and to be the best me, learn from it and move forward. Thanks for all the support.”
Garcia then granted an exclusive interview with Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis to elaborate on his side of things.
“I received some very emotional, personal news earlier that week that didn’t help. It was in the back of my mind. As I became frustrated on the course everything erupted,” Garcia said. “I’m sure some (other pros) aren’t going to be happy about it. We all make mistakes and I’m the first to admit it,” he said. “The only thing I can do is apologize. I’m going to work hard to behave the best way possible. Show everyone that not only am I a good golfer, I’m a good person.
“It’s not going to happen (again). I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m going to work really, really hard that those downs don’t get to that point.”
Garcia will kick off his 2019 campaign in the United States at this week’s Genesis Open alongside Keegan Bradley and Sangmoon Bae.
Garcia struggled Stateside in 2018 after notching three top-10s in his first four starts on the PGA Tour. Beginning with his title defense in April at the Masters, Garcia would miss eight cuts in his next 11 events, which included the no-cut WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and fail to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Regardless, Garcia was a force for the European Team at the Ryder Cup in Paris going 3-1-0 and becoming Europe’s all-time leading point earner.
Garcia posted a T3 finish at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour at the end of January, his only other worldwide start in 2019.
