By Derek Lawrenson for The Mail on Sunday
Published: 14:21 GMT, 2 February 2019 | Updated: 21:14 GMT, 2 February 2019
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Sergio Garcia was sent home in disgrace from the controversial European Tour event in Saudi Arabia on Saturday after allegedly causing damage to no fewer than five greens.
In a temper tantrum that might be unparalleled in terms of length, the Spaniard was disqualified from the Saudi International for 'serious misconduct' after outraged fellow competitors in the next four groups - including Masters champion Patrick Reed - all complained to officials.
European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley stepped in and, after hearing from all sides, issued a disqualification that is believed to have no precedent.
Sergio Garcia was disqualified from Saudi International for damaging five of the greens
The incident led to red faces all round beside the Red Sea, for Garcia was one of the players who was actually being paid to promote the tournament - but clearly not in this way.
In a short statement, the depth of his contrition hinted not only at Pelley's fury but also the depth of feeling among those golfers affected.
The game's new rules allow players to tap down damage on the greens but they certainly don't expect to have to do it because one of their own has thrown a wobbly.
'I respect the decision of my disqualification,' said Garcia, who signed for a 71 before being sent home. 'In frustration, I
