Challenges Faced by Sergio García: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Sergio García. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Sergio García is a Spanish professional golfer who turned pro in 1999. He has achieved significant success, winning 36 international tournaments, including the prestigious 2008 Players Championship and the 2017 Masters Tournament. He played on the European Tour and PGA Tour before joining LIV Golf in 2022. García also held the position of Chairman for the Spanish football team CF Borriol.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2002: Waggle Habit

In 2002, at the U.S. Open, Sergio García's "waggle" habit created a stir when spectators shouted out, "Hit the ball, Sergio!", due to his repeated regripping of the club.

March 2007: Spitting Incident

In March 2007, Sergio García received criticism for a spitting incident at the WGC-CA Championship after three-putting for bogey.

2007: Near-Miss at PGA Championship

At the 2008 PGA Championship, Sergio García narrowly missed out on winning his first professional major championship, finishing two strokes behind Pádraig Harrington. This was similar to the 2007 Open Championship.

2007: PGA Championship Disqualification

In the 2007 PGA Championship, Sergio García was disqualified after signing an incorrect scorecard after the third round.

2008: Near-Miss at PGA Championship

At the 2008 PGA Championship, Sergio García narrowly missed out on winning his first professional major championship, finishing two strokes behind Pádraig Harrington.

2008: Start of winless streak

In 2008, Sergio García started a winless streak that lasted until October 2011, when he won the Castelló Masters.

2009: Disappointing season

Sergio García had a successful season in 2008, but a very disappointing season in 2009, finishing ranked 74th on the PGA Tour money list.

June 2011: Loss at BMW International Open

In June 2011, Sergio García lost to Pablo Larrazábal at the fifth sudden-death playoff hole at the BMW International Open, failing to break his winless streak since 2008.

2013: Controversy at Players Championship and racist remark

In 2013, Sergio García had a public feud with Tiger Woods after the Players Championship, where he hit multiple balls into the water. Later, at a European Tour players dinner, he made a racist remark about Woods, for which he later apologized.

July 2014: Runner-up at The Open Championship

In July 2014, Sergio García finished joint runner-up at The Open Championship, two strokes behind Rory McIlroy. This was his second runner-up finish at The Open Championship and fourth in a major championship.

2015: Ties at The Players Championship and Wins Ho Tram Open

In 2015, Sergio García tied at The Players Championship but was eliminated in the playoff. He then won the Ho Tram Open in Vietnam on the Asian Tour.

April 2018: Shoots 13 on 15th hole and misses cut at Masters

In April 2018, during the first round of the 2018 Masters Tournament, Sergio García shot a 13 on the 15th hole and missed the cut, failing to defend his title.

February 2019: Disqualified from Saudi International

In February 2019, Sergio García was disqualified from the Saudi International tournament on the European Tour for damaging five greens deliberately in anger during his third round.

March 2019: Controversy at WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

In March 2019, Sergio García was involved in another controversy at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play with Matt Kuchar over a missed putt that wasn't conceded.

April 2019: Misses cut at Masters

In April 2019, Sergio García missed the cut at the Masters, marking his 6th straight missed cut in a major championship.

July 2019: Controversy at Open Championship and WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

In July 2019, Sergio García was involved in controversy after throwing his driver at his caddie at the Open Championship and gouging the teebox at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

May 2023: Resigns from European Tour

In May 2023, after joining LIV and facing fines and suspensions, Sergio García resigned his membership of the European Tour after the sanctions were upheld by an independent arbitrator.