Masters 2012: Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia Share Hug At Augusta

By Jay Coffin, Golf Channel

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Misery loves company. Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy were both miserable Saturday playing together in the third round of the Masters.

Many believed this was McIlroy’s tournament to win heading into the weekend as he was a shot off the lead. But he made double-bogey 6 on the first hole and never rebounded. He made another double bogey on No. 7, then bogey on No. 8 to record three 6s on a front-nine 42.

Garcia made four bogeys on the front nine and quickly was out of contention as well.

A light moment came on the par-3 12th when both recorded birdie, their first of the day. When Garcia putted out he walked toward McIlroy with his arms wide open and the two gave each other a hug. 

“It would’ve been better from my girlfriend,” Garcia quipped. “But that was the best we could do at the moment.”

Said McIlroy: “We needed to show a little love. It was a nice moment in a round filled with not so nice moments.”

McIlroy shot 77 and is tied for 27th place, Garcia shot 75 and is tied for 19th.

"Rory-Sergio bromance blossoms mid-round at Masters," by Jay Coffin appears courtesy of Golf Channel.

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Comments

[Sam Jacob]

11:50 AM on 04/18/2012

Sergio is missing Rory, and is hugging pandas now! :)

http://www.hkgolfer.com/news/sergio-paddy-and-panda

[samhaydenjr]

03:14 PM on 04/09/2012

Maybe not full-on bromance, but I do see a potential Ryder Cup pairing. Amazing how just stopping and having a quick laugh can improve things. Both were having dire rounds up to that point but managed to settle down and post solid scores for the remainder of the round, with Rory hitting his second on the 18th to within inches of the cup to remind us why there is so much hype about his talent (albeit too late to mount a serious challenge). Maybe Tiger should take a leaf out of their books and just enjoy his golf for a while - he's still got bucketloads of talent but whereas before his intensity made him appear driven and focused, now it seems to be making him tense, frustrated and miserable. (Watch now, he'll probably win the US and British Opens and make a fool out of me)

[TheTaz]

08:32 PM on 04/08/2012

Two great young golfers that are fun to watch. They add to the great game of golf. Best to the both of them.......Happy Easter to all.

[Flight]

04:44 PM on 04/08/2012

"Many believed this was McIlroy’s tournament to win heading into the weekend..."

Really, HuffPo? Hmmm....your article a few days ago before Tiger crashed and burned (again) proclaimed his 'resurgence' and it was Tiger's to win. So much for consistency.

[FreedToChoose]

12:03 AM on 04/09/2012

Predictors of golf tournament results, especially the Masters, need to cut back on stimulants. Consider where the top players in the world finished:

1. Luke Donald (T32)
2. Rory McIlroy (T40)
3. Lee Westwood (T3)
4. Hunter Mahan (T12)
5. Steve Stricker (T47)
6. Martin Kaymer (T44)
7. Tiger Woods (T40)
8. Charl Schwartzel (T50)
9. Justin Rose (T8)
10. Webb Simpson (T44)

Of course, today's finish may change tomorrow's ranking.

[FreedToChoose]

12:09 AM on 04/08/2012

When I saw this I thought, That's the heart of the Masters." The fans root for their favorites and some root against those they dislike, but the players know the fickle beast they are playing. Here are the #2 and #21 players in the world slipping a bit and maintaining their humanity to give each other a hug. I think the player to player relationships are the best measure of the Masters.

[ontariogirl]

07:49 AM on 04/09/2012

I totally agree with you. These are the parts of golf I love. The human side of it. I just loved the hug. :)