“The most immature player” - Sir Nick Faldo slams Sergio Garcia for criticism of Rory McIlroy

Sir Nick Faldo has slammed Sergio Garcia over his criticism of Rory McIlroy. The six-time major champion took to social media in response to comments made by Garcia, calling the golfer the “most immature player ever”.

During the opening event of the LIV Golf League in Mexico, Garcia revealed while speaking with The Telegraph that his friendship with the Irish star was over due to his move to the Saudi-backed league.

“I think it is very sad. We’ve done so many things together and had so many experiences together that for him to throw that away just because I decided to go to a different tour, well, it doesn’t seem very mature; lacking maturity, really," said Garcia.

This quote from the Spaniard received a lot of criticism all over social media, including from Faldo, who defended McIlroy on Twitter.

He tweeted:

"Now this is rich coming from the most immature player I’ve ever witnessed!!"

This is not the first time Faldo has had anything to say about Garcia. There is a history behind the cold relations between the two.

During the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Nick Faldo was commentating for NBC. He said Garcia was displaying a 'bad attitude' during the 2008 match. Faldo was Europe's Ryder Cup captain as they suffered their first loss in nine years and Garcia could only earn one point from four.

Garcia responded that Faldo didn't feel European and could say a lot about him but wouldn't put himself at Faldo's level. Interestingly, it was Rory McIlroy at the time who defended Garcia amid the controversy.

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Fans react to Sergio Garcia's comments on McIlroy

Sergio Garcia and McIlroy have been teammates in the Ryder Cup

Apart from Faldo, Golf Twitter had a lot to say about Garcia's comments on Rory McIlroy. Here's a look at some of the reactions:

"Sergio Garcia called Rory Mcllroy 'immature'. Also Sergio Garcia:"

"Liberal golf pundits rushing to post a video of Sergio Garcia just because he said Rory’s lack of maturity ended their relationship. Golf media at it again, pushing the divide for a few likes and follows."

"Sergio Garcia says it was Rory McIlroy’s lack of 'maturity' that brought a 'sad' end to the friendship between the two. This from a player who at the 2019 Saudi International, went ballistic in a bunker, damaged as many as five greens and was disqualified."

"Hilarious. Sergio Garcia accusing just about anyone of immaturity only betrays his own lack of self-awareness 🙄"

"The 'LIV TOUR' should be renamed, 'TOUR OF MAL-CONTENTS'"

"For all the anti Rory folk, show me a video of him spitting in a golf hole where other players had to reach in and pick up their golf balls…"

"The LIV players are like Russians who blame Ukraine for the war. We all know who the evil ones are, even them. Never underestimate the power of denial. It’s a great shock absorber for the soul."

"Sergio spitting in the cup years ago has left an eternally foul taste in my mouth."

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Garcia finishes in 26th place in the LIV Golf Mayakoba

Garcia had a disappointing outing in LIV Golf's second season opener in Mayakoba where he could only post a par score to finish in 26th place. The event was won by Charles Howell III, who did remarkably well on Sunday to finish at 8-under 63. Garcia's team, Fireballs GC, didn't do any better in the team event as they finished sixth.