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Players in groups behind Garcia on Saturday,
including American Patrick Reed, complained that Garcia had
taken his frustration out on several greens on the front nine
during Saturday's round at the Royal Greens course, leaving
scuff marks and at least one large divot-like mark.
Garcia, 39, was subject to a fine and potential suspension, but
European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley told The Scotsman
that the "incident is over. We have dealt with it."
Garcia was disqualified for "serious misconduct" under Rule 1.2a
of the USGA, which partially states "that players are expected
to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity,
showing consideration to others and taking good care of the
course."
He was called out for purposefully driving his clubs into the
surface of the green and became the first player disqualified
for "serious misconduct" in the history of the European Tour.
"I respect the decision of my disqualification," a statement
from Garcia read. "In frustration, I damaged a couple of greens,
for which I apologize for, and I have informed my fellow players
it will never happen again."
Garcia shot a 1-over 71 in the third round before being
disqualified.
He also was seen slamming his club into a bunker after needing
two shots to get out of the sand during Friday's round, and
Garcia complained about the poor raking that left him with a
difficult lie.
It is the latest in a string of on-course incidents during
Garcia's career. He threw a shoe at an advertising board during
a World Match Play event in 1999 and was fined two years later
after kicking a golf cart and hitting a tree with his club
following a two-stroke penalty for an incorrect drop.
He also reportedly was fined $10,000 in 2010 for spitting into a
cup at the Doral tournament in Florida.
--Field Level Media
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