Sergio Garcia has apologised for his meltdown during the final round of The Masters when he tore up the turf after a bad drive on the second hole and then broke his driver.

The 2017 winner began with a bogey and then hit a weak fade on the par-five second hole that was headed to the bunker, before slamming his club into the turf.

Garcia then smacked his driver against a wooden bench holding a water cooler, and the head of the club was left dangling from the shaft.

READ MORE: Former star whacks Dragons after young gun’s shock request

READ MORE: Butters guilty of umpire abuse but mystery over why

READ MORE: ‘Active tornadoes’ in USA force Wallaroos to evacuate

He was issued a code-of-conduct warning on the fourth tee. The conduct policy was new to the Masters this year.

Sergio Garcia smashes his driver Twitter

In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday morning (AEST), the 46-year-old apologised for his actions and expressed regret over the outburst.

“I want to apologise for my actions Sunday at The Masters tournament,” Garcia said.

“I respect and value everything that The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to golf. I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game.

“It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for The Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world.”

When initially asked about the incident after finishing his final round, Garcia declined to discuss what was said by the official, saying after his round, “I’m not going to tell you”.

He also did not apologise for his behavior after his closing 75 to finish in 52nd place among the 54 players who made the cut.

“Just obviously not super proud of it, but sometimes it happens,” Garcia said.

Sergio Garcia. R&A via Getty Images

Garcia has not finished in the top 10 in the 29 majors he has played since beating Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National in 2017.

He has missed the cut six times in eight appearances at the Masters since winning.

Garcia was disqualified in 2019 at the Saudi International for damaging greens in frustration. His antics over the years include angrily kicking off his shoe when he slipped during a tee shot at the World Match Play in 2001, and the shoe nearly struck an official.

He also spit into a cup during a World Golf Championship at Doral after three-putting.