The Masters Tournament at Augusta National is in full swing, and all eyes are on Sergio Garcia as he makes headlines not just for his performance but for his eye-catching attire. On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the LIV Golf star faced ridicule on social media for his bold outfit choice during the first round of the prestigious tournament.
Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, donned a striking ensemble that featured a red shirt layered with a long-sleeved red shirt underneath, complemented by bright yellow pants. This fashion statement, while colorful, drew comparisons to Ronald McDonald, with many golf fans taking to social media to express their opinions. "Sergio Garcia going full Ronald McDonald for Round 1 at The Masters," tweeted one user, capturing the playful yet critical sentiment surrounding his outfit.
Despite the backlash, Garcia’s ensemble was not without significance. As a member of LIV Golf’s Fireballs Golf Club, whose logo prominently features yellow and red, his attire served as a nod to his team. Additionally, the colors are reminiscent of the Spanish flag, reflecting Garcia’s pride in his heritage. The Fireballs team includes fellow golfers Abraham Ancer, David Puig, and Luis Masaveu, all of whom wear the same vibrant colors on the course.
Garcia's fashion choice comes at a time when LIV Golf players are trying to establish their presence in major tournaments, which traditionally have been dominated by the PGA Tour. The Masters, while not a PGA-exclusive event, has seen LIV golfers like Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau wearing their team logos and gear. Last year, DeChambeau made headlines for similar reasons at the U.S. Open.
In a pre-tournament discussion, former PGA Tour golfer Jerry Pate, who has finished in the top five at the Masters twice, shared his predictions for the tournament on 'Fox & Friends First.' Pate emphasized the significance of the Masters and the level of competition, highlighting how players like Garcia are looking to make a statement.
Garcia is no stranger to high-pressure situations at the Masters. He famously won the tournament in 2017, defeating Justin Rose in a thrilling playoff that marked the first and only major title of his career. Since then, he has faced challenges in major tournaments, finishing as a runner-up several times but struggling to regain his winning form. He has finished second twice at the Open Championship, once at the PGA Championship, and has three top-five finishes at the U.S. Open.
Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Garcia has seen a resurgence in his game, claiming his first LIV Golf victory last July at Andalucia, where he finished 5-under par and triumphed over Anirban Lahiri in another playoff. Just last month, he secured his second LIV win in Hong Kong, finishing 18-under par and three strokes ahead of Dean Burmester. This recent success has placed him second in the LIV standings, trailing only Joaquin Niemann, who has also made waves in the golfing world.
Garcia's contract with LIV Golf reportedly amounts to a staggering $40 million over four years, not including additional earnings from tournament purses and apparel revenue. This financial backing has allowed him to focus on his game, but it has also subjected him to scrutiny, especially given the ongoing rivalry between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
As the first round of the Masters progresses, Garcia's performance will be closely followed, not just for his golfing prowess but also for how he handles the pressure of being in the spotlight, both on and off the course. The vibrant outfit may have drawn ridicule, but it also reflects Garcia's commitment to his team and his heritage.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Augusta is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating how Garcia and other LIV Golf players will fare against their PGA counterparts. The Masters has always been a stage for dramatic moments, and this year is shaping up to be no different.
Garcia's wife, Angela Atkins, also made an impression during the Masters festivities, leading the way among the players' partners at the traditional Par-3 competition held on April 9. Dressed in an unbuttoned caddie outfit while carrying her husband's clubs, she was all smiles alongside their children, Azalea and Enzo, as they enjoyed the family-friendly event.
With the first round of the Masters still ongoing, Garcia's journey is just beginning. Will he rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of his past accolades? Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, hoping for a glimpse of the golfer who once held the green jacket and is now making headlines for reasons both on and off the course.
As the tournament unfolds, the narrative of Sergio Garcia continues to evolve, encapsulating the spirit of competition, pride, and the ever-changing landscape of professional golf.