A final-round meltdown by Sergio Garcia at the Masters helped convince Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to pull its funding from LIV Golf, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The sovereign wealth fund announced it will end its financial backing of the rebel tour after the 2026 season, plunging the future of high-profile players including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau into doubt.
Augusta National Incident
According to the report, one of the primary triggers for the decision was Garcia's outburst during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in April. At the second hole, the 46-year-old Spaniard drove his ball into a fairway bunker and repeatedly hammered the turf with his driver before the ball landed, ripping out a chunk of earth.
Garcia then turned to the cooler box to the right of the teeing area and struck it with a vicious swipe, snapping the head of his driver off the shaft.
The scene at Augusta National, combined with the general struggles of LIV Golf players at the tournament, reportedly left Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan embarrassed. The Financial Times reported that this embarrassment helped prompt his decision to end PIF financing for the tour. The Daily Mail has contacted LIV Golf for comment.
Code of Conduct Warning and Apology
Following the outburst, Masters officials issued Garcia with a formal code of conduct warning. Speaking immediately after his round, the Spanish golfer admitted he was not super proud of it, but added that sometimes it happens.
Two days later, Garcia issued a formal statement of apology. He said he wanted to apologize for his actions on Sunday at the Masters tournament, adding that he respects and values everything that the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club represent in golf. Garcia said he regretted the way he acted, stating it has no place in the game and did not reflect his appreciation for patrons, tournament officials, and golf fans worldwide.
Garcia, who won the Masters in 2017, is one of the highest-profile figures on the LIV circuit. The Masters is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia and is one of golf's four major championships.
Uncertain Future for LIV Golf Stars
The Public Investment Fund is Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and managed by Al-Rumayyan. LIV Golf launched in 2022, using Saudi financial backing to sign major champions including 2023 Masters winner Rahm and two-time U.S. Open champion DeChambeau away from established tours. The planned withdrawal of funding after 2026 leaves the circuit facing an uncertain future.
The news came as players competed in this week's event in Indianapolis, which serves as the season finale after organizers canceled the planned individual and team championship in Michigan.
At the 12th hole in Indianapolis, designated as the Party Hole, players were permitted to choose walk-up songs. Tyrrell Hatton selected Queen's "I Want To Break Free" for what could be his final LIV Golf event. According to Fried Egg Golf, the song was a deliberate choice that was openly discussed in the locker room. Meanwhile, Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin chose "Breaking Free" from High School Musical.
