ESPN personality Mike Greenberg has called for Sergio Garcia’s lifetime exemption into the Masters Tournament to be withdrawn.
Greenberg’s demand comes after Garcia’s behaviour during the final round, which saw him receive a code of conduct warning. Garcia’s actions included smashing his driver in frustration at Augusta National.
Greenberg’s Criticism of Garcia’s Actions
Greenberg voiced his opinion on X, stating that a lifetime exemption is a privilege that should be reciprocated with respect. He questioned whether Garcia should be invited back after his behaviour.
“A lifetime exemption is a privilege extended by Augusta to its champions out of respect,” he wrote. “If that respect is not reciprocated, there is no law that says a past champ cannot be banned.
“I’m not sure they should have Sergio Garcia back after the garbage he pulled today.”
Garcia’s Masters Performance and LIV Golf Move
Garcia won the Masters in 2017, which is his only major victory. Since his win, he has only made the cut for the final two rounds once, which occurred at this year’s tournament where he finished 52nd.
Garcia joined LIV Golf in 2022, following in the footsteps of other PGA Tour stars. He has secured two wins in the series, at LIV Golf Andalucía in 2024 and LIV Golf Hong Kong in 2025. He played his way into a playoff four times, only winning the Andalucía event.
Details of Garcia’s On-Course Frustrations
Garcia’s frustration at Augusta National manifested in several incidents. He slammed his club into the turf twice after a shot landed in a bunker. He also took a swipe at a table with a green cooler on it.
Garcia received a code of conduct warning as a result of these actions.
Since winning the Masters in 2017, Garcia has only made the cut once. That was at this year’s tournament, where he finished 52nd.