Golf is a cruel game. One minute you’re the darling of the galleries, and the next, you’re watching your title defense drown in a pond at the 15th hole. Honestly, the Sergio Garcia US Masters story is one of the most polarizing arcs in the history of the Green Jacket. It’s got everything: a 74-major-start drought, the ghost of Seve Ballesteros, and a literal "Tin Cup" moment that made even weekend hackers feel a twinge of sympathy.
Most people remember the 2017 win. It was iconic. But if you look closer at the years before and after, the narrative gets way more complicated. Sergio didn't just win a tournament; he survived a decades-long psychological battle with a course that seemed to hate him back.
The 2017 Breakthrough: Redemption on Seve's Birthday
By the time April 2017 rolled around, the "Best Player Never to Win a Major" label was practically surgically attached to Sergio. He’d been professional for nearly 20 years. He had 70 major starts under his belt as a pro without a trophy. He’d even famously said in 2012 that he wasn't "good enough" to win a major.
Then came Sunday at Augusta.
It was April 9, which would have been Seve Ballesteros’s 60th birthday. The atmosphere was heavy with that weird Augusta magic. Sergio was locked in a dogfight with Justin Rose. It looked like the same old story when Garcia hooked his drive into the azaleas on the 13th. He was two shots down with six holes to play. Most fans (and probably some bookies) thought, "Here we go again."
But he didn't fold. He scrambled for a miraculous par on 13. Then he birdied 14. Then came the shot of a lifetime on 15—an 8-iron that nipped the pin and set up a 14-foot eagle putt. The roar was deafening.
The playoff was almost a formality after Rose found the trees. Sergio buried a 12-foot birdie putt, crouched in disbelief, and slammed his fist into the turf. He was 37 years old. He was finally a major champion. It was the first time in 74 attempts. Talk about a long road.
The 13-Stroke Meltdown: When the Magic Vanished
If 2017 was the dream, 2018 was the absolute nightmare. There is no other way to put it.
As the defending champion, Sergio returned to Augusta with the world at his feet. He’d even named his daughter Azalea, a nod to the 13th hole that saved his round the year before. But "Firethorn"—the par-5 15th—was waiting for him.
During the first round, Sergio arrived at the 15th at +2. He hit a perfect drive. Then, he tried to reach the green in two with a 6-iron.
Splash.
He went to the drop zone.
Splash.
Splash.
Splash.
Splash.
Five balls in the water. He ended up carding a 13. It tied the record for the highest score on a single hole in Masters history. He shot an 81 and missed the cut. It was a staggering reminder of how quickly Augusta National can take back what it gives. He didn't even hit bad shots, really. They just kept spinning back off the firm green into the drink. It was brutal to watch.
Life After the Green Jacket: LIV and the 2026 Outlook
Fast forward to today. Sergio’s relationship with the Sergio Garcia US Masters legacy has shifted significantly since he jumped to LIV Golf. For a while, there was real tension about whether the LIV guys would even be allowed back on the grounds.
He’s still there, though. As a past champion, he has that lifetime exemption. But the form has been... well, a bit of a rollercoaster. Since that win in 2017, his record at Augusta has been pretty grim. He's missed the cut in five of his last six starts at the Masters.
Despite that, Sergio is currently playing some of his most consistent golf in years. Heading into the 2026 season, he’s captaining the Fireballs GC on the LIV circuit, leading an all-Spanish squad. He recently signed a multi-year extension, and he’s been vocal about how much he still loves the grind.
Recent Form and Stats (2025-2026)
If you're looking at his chances for the next trip to Georgia, keep an eye on these numbers:
✨ Don't miss: Last Game in NBA: The Spurs vs Timberwolves Thriller and What Most People Missed
- Driving Accuracy: He’s still a beast off the tee, ranking in the top 10 for fairway hits on the LIV circuit.
- Putting: This is always the wildcard. He’s been hovering around 31st in putting stats, which usually spells trouble on Augusta’s lightning-fast greens.
- Experience: 25 Masters starts. You can't buy that kind of course knowledge.
Why People Still Obsess Over Sergio at Augusta
Kinda weird, right? Why do we still care so much?
Probably because Sergio is the most "human" of the elite golfers. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He pouts, he celebrates, he gets angry, and he gets emotional. When he won in 2017, the entire golfing world felt like they’d won with him. When he hit five balls in the water in 2018, we all felt that pit in our stomachs.
He represents the two extremes of the sport. The absolute peak of redemption and the lowest valley of humiliation.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following Sergio's progress or looking ahead to the next Masters, here is how to process the data:
- Ignore the "Missed Cut" Streak: Augusta is a mental game for Sergio. His recent form in 2025 (including a win in Hong Kong and a top-10 season finish) suggests his physical game is actually in a better place than his recent Masters scores reflect.
- Watch the Weather: Sergio has always excelled in ball-striking. If the conditions at Augusta are tough and windy, his ability to control his flight gives him a massive edge over younger "bomb and gouge" players.
- Monitor the Putter: Check his stats in the three tournaments leading up to April. If he's gaining strokes on the green, he’s a legitimate dark horse for a top-20 finish.
The Sergio Garcia US Masters story isn't over yet. He’s 46 now, but as we saw with Phil Mickelson, Augusta has a way of rewarding the old guard who know where the bodies are buried on that course.
Check the official Masters site for the latest field qualifications and tee times as the tournament approaches. Review Sergio's recent LIV Golf results to see if his iron play is maintaining its trademark precision. Track his "Strokes Gained: Off the Tee" metrics to ensure his primary weapon is still sharp before he heads down Magnolia Lane.