Garcia endures heckling
Sergio Garcia was forced to put up with a torrent of heckling from the fans at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday.
The Spaniard had a two shot lead at the Players when he made the turn, but an inspired run by Rickie Fowler saw him edge Garcia and Kevin Kisner after a three hole playoff.
On US soil, Garcia has long been a target for heckling but with the stadium like atmosphere, the popular Fowler going on a hot streak and the close proximity of the fans all combined for the perfect storm.
His caddy, Glen Murray, even asked for security on the back nine as the verbal abuse intensified.
“It was probably about three or four times on every hole since the tenth hole,” revealed the 35-year-old on ESPN.
“They shouted at the wrong time, on top of the ball, so I was able to back away. I wouldn’t say that I [misplayed a shot].
“Obviously some guys there that don’t deserve to be here watching golf.”
Garcia’s putter was cold through the opening rounds, but four birdies on the front nine saw him leap up the leaderboard and a 43 foot birdie earned him a place in the playoff. While he was unable to close out the win, he was happy with his round of 69.
“Today I played good,” added the 11-time European Tour winner.
“I putted quite good. But for the rest of the week, I gave away a lot of shots and still almost won this tournament. So I can’t be disappointed.”
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