SERGIO GARCIA'S MASTERS OUTBURST LINKED TO PIF'S WITHDRAWAL FROM LIV GOLF

Sergio Garcia's conduct during the final round of the Masters Tournament in April 2026 influenced Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to withdraw its financing from LIV Golf, according to a Financial Times report. During the par-5 second hole, Garcia struck his driver repeatedly against the turf after hitting into a bunker, tearing out chunks of grass from the tee box. He then swung the club at a nearby cooler stand, snapping the clubhead from the shaft. Officials issued Garcia a code-of-conduct warning two holes later. The golfer finished the round without a driver, carding a 75 to end the tournament at 8-over par, and later issued a public apology describing the incident as regrettable.

According to the Financial Times report, people familiar with the matter stated that PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan's embarrassment at the sequence of events contributed to his decision to withdraw funding from the breakaway tour. The report noted that Al-Rumayyan's focus shifted towards PIF's domestic commitments within the kingdom. PIF pulled its investment shortly after the Masters incident. Al-Rumayyan subsequently stepped down from his role. At the time of writing, PIF and its representatives have not responded to the claims made in the Financial Times report.

LIV Golf has faced mounting financial instability since PIF's withdrawal. The tour has cancelled its season-ending Team Championship event in Michigan following months of speculation. Garcia currently competes in what the tour has confirmed will be its final tournament, LIV Golf Indianapolis at The Club at Chatham Hills. The withdrawal of PIF funding leaves LIV Golf searching for alternative financial backing to sustain operations beyond 2026.