This ‘embarrassing’ Masters tantrum triggered $6 billion LIV collapse
Sergio Garcia‘s shocking meltdown at The Masters was the catalyst for LIV Golf’s spectacular collapse, according to a new report.
Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, tore chunks out of the tee box and destroyed his driver on a wooden bench after spraying his tee shot on the par-5 second hole during the final round at Augusta in April.
Sergio Garcia’s meltdown at the Masters was reportedly the catalyst for LIV Golf’s collapse. X
According to The Financial Times, Saudi PIF head Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s “embarrassment” at the tantrum directly lead to his decision to pull the pin on an estimated $6 billion of funding, having previously committed to the endeavour until the end of 2032.
The report comes midway through what might be the final ever LIV tournament at Indianapolis, after the cancellation of the previously-scheduled season-ender in Michigan.
Although the official cancellation came barely a fortnight before the tournament was scheduled to start, its downfall had been expected for weeks.
Contractors had weeks earlier had accommodation and travel plans cancelled, while others had stopped being paid. Local residents also reported none of the temporary infrastructure including grand stands and hospitality tents had been built.
LIV chief executive Scott O’Neill earlier this month announced he had locked in a new investor, but released no other details.
There are reports the new backers want assurances the competition’s biggest names – Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm in particular – will be playing before they commit the cash.
Meanwhile, Cameron Smith is two shots off the lead after the opening two rounds at Indianapolis.
Smith carded a bogey-free 7-under 63 in the opening day, but had much more of a grind on the second.
Starting on the first hole in the shotgun start format, he made birdies on the second and fifth holes, but made the turn even for the round after bogeys on six and eight. He made another birdie on the 11th but gave it back on the 15th. He finished strong with two more birdies on 16 and 18.
Smith is one of seven players at 9-under, two behind solo leader Richard Lee.