Garcia makes grovelling apology

By Brian Keogh

Sergio Garcia has made a grovelling apology to Masters bosses following his vicious attack on Augusta National.

Sergio Garcia has apologised to Augusta NationalThe fiery Spaniard, 29, lost the plot on Sunday after extending his winless streak in majors to 42.

Still steaming after a closing 74, Garcia took out his frustration on the course, snarling: “I don’t like it, to tell you the truth. I don’t think it’s fair. You know, it’s just too tricky.

“Then when you drive you still get mud balls in the middle of the fairway, so it’s too much of a guessing game.”

It took Garcia’s management company just 18 hours to issue an apology on behalf of the world No 3.

Changing his tune, Garcia said: “Following my final round at the Masters yesterday, I made comments that I regret and want to apologise for.

“Out of frustration, I blamed the golf course instead of putting the blame where it belongs, on myself. I didn’t get it done this week.

“Augusta National is one of the most iconic golf courses in the game and playing in the Masters each year is an honour.

“I apologise to the members of Augusta National and the fans who rightfully treasure this golf course, and would like to offer my congratulations to Angel for joining the list of legendary names who have won there. I aspire to join that list one day.”

Arch-rival Padraig Harrington, who has confessed that he has “zero in common” with Garcia, said he was “baffled” by the outspoken Spaniard’s latest outburst.

Garcia has just two top tens from 11 Masters starts and missed the cut four times.

But Harrington, whose bid for a hat-trick of major wins ended in a share of 35th, said the course was "as easy as it’s ever going to be."