At the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia earlier this month, Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia smashed his driver into the ground after an errant strike and then broke the club in half when taking out his frustrations on a water cooler. His angry outbursts, as well as similar behavior by other golfers, have led R&A, golf’s governing body, to introduce a new three strikes policy, dubbed by some as the “Sergio Rule." The policy acts as an official warning system, where repeated outbursts lead to a two-shot penalty and subsequently, disqualification. The golfing authorities have simply had enough of what they see as the rapid decline in etiquette. This new code of conduct may solve the problem. The policy goes into effect with The Open, which is being hosted at Royal Birkdale in the UK from July 12-19 this year. Players have been warned that “three tantrums and you’re out.”
