Sergio Garcia Criticizes Tiger Woods and Reflects on Their Tense History

Sergio Garcia, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, recently addressed his complicated relationship with Tiger Woods, revealing lingering tensions and his personal feelings about their past clashes.

Speaking on the show No Bad Lies with comedian Andrew Santino, Garcia openly stated, “He’s not my favorite guy to play with. He’s not the nicest guy on tour.” Although delivered casually, the remark pointed to unresolved issues stemming from their history.

The rivalry intensified in 2013 during the PLAYERS Championship. Garcia was preparing to take a shot on the 13th hole when fans reacted loudly—disrupting him. The commotion was caused by Woods pulling out a club, leading Garcia to accuse him of poor etiquette. Woods countered, saying he thought Garcia had already hit. This incident quickly made headlines and fueled public disagreements.

The feud escalated further when Garcia made a controversial “fried chicken” comment about settling their feud, which drew widespread criticism. Though Garcia apologized later, the damage to their relationship was already done.

Garcia’s Current Perspective and Rivalry

Now, in 2025, Garcia—who plays with LIV Golf—is gearing up for the Open Championship. When asked if he could beat Woods in a physical altercation, Garcia responded playfully, “Well, at the moment I think me,” revealing the fire that once fueled their rivalry.

Despite past conflicts, Garcia claims that the two have made amends publicly, with encounters and friendly exchanges. However, the underlying respect remains hesitant. Woods, known for his intense focus and aloof manner on the course, has faced skepticism from experts like Brandel Chamblee, who once gave Woods an “F” for his 2013 season despite winning PGA Player of the Year, due to a controversial drop at the Masters.

Rivalries like Garcia versus Woods highlight how some disputes in golf are deeply ingrained and resist fading away, revealing the complex relationships behind the sport’s polished image.