England’s Eddie Pepperell appeared to indicate Jon Rahm should reconsider who he surrounds himself with in light of Sergio Garcia’s meltdown at the 2026 Masters. 

Garcia, the 2017 green jacket winner, hit the headlines on Sunday for his display of petulance on the second tee box at Augusta National. 

After hitting a wayward drive that found the bunker, the 46-year-old Spaniard smashed his driver into the turf twice.

The final act saw the LIV Golf recruit snap the head of his club on a water cooler. 

Garcia admitted he was “not super proud” of his actions after the conclusion of the 90th edition of the major, but stopped short of an apology. 

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On Tuesday evening, Garcia released a statement expressing remorse for his actions. 

Sergio Garcia has issued an apology

Sergio Garcia has issued an apology

Pepperell labelled Garcia “a childish brat” on the latest edition of the Chipping Forecast and also believes Rahm – who is currently involved in a long-running dispute with the DP World Tour – should start reconsidering who he surrounds himself with as Garcia is a “not a good influence”. 

The 35-year-old Brit conceded acknowledged his criticism is a touch rich considering he too has had several temper tantrums throughout his career. 

“I think there’s a difference doing it with Augusta,” he said. “It shows a slightly higher level of psychopathy than I’m comfortable with. 

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“And I think that’s where you can really reveal something about your character that maybe shouldn’t be revealed. 

“And that’s aimed at Bob [MacIntyre] as much as it’s aimed at Sergio, frankly, and Tyrrell [Hatton] with his comments over the years. 

“That place should command utmost respect and behaviour. And if you can’t do it there, then there’s seemingly no way you can do it.”

Pepperell urged current and aspiring professional golfers to take a leaf out of Tommy Fleetwood’s book, whom he believes is the “classiest of class acts”. 

Justin Rose

Justin Rose

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“And Justin Rose,” Pepperell added. “Particularly Tommy, I would say, with his interactions with everybody. 

“There’s somebody that, if anyone young out there is looking for a role model, there’s your guy – Tommy Fleetwood – because he behaves almost perfectly no matter the situation. 

“But Sergio, once again, not covering himself in glory. Love him as a golfer, but as is so often the case, he’s just a childish brat, frankly, on the course.”

Pepperrell also believe the aforementioned Rahm should be “asking himself some questions” over his association with Garcia. 

The two-time major champion is currently involved in a long-running dispute with the European-based DP World Tour over his refusal to pay fines he has received for competing in conflicting LIV Golf events. 

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Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm

Rahm has withdrawn his appeal but is refusing to settle his bill. 

The dispute threatens his involvement in next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. 

Pepperell added: “And while I’m on a rant – this is the guy that Jon Rahm spends a lot of time with on LIV. 

“So we look at the way he then corresponds with the DP World Tour and his position on this – you’ve got to be careful who you surround yourself with in life. 

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“And Jon should be asking himself some questions on that front, in my view, because he’s not a good influence.

“And I think this week, if ever there was a week where these LIV golfers should seriously reflect – because touch on Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka. Brooks Koepka looks a different guy. He’s fit, he looks up for the fight, he’s playing better. 

“There’s a guy who could go and win a major this year or contend. I don’t think you could have said that about him a year ago.”

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