Sergio Garcia is wearing a green ribbon on his cap as he defends his Masters title in honor of late Augusta National member Robert Chapman III.
Chapman died on Aug. 23 at the age of 66, according to Garcia, of a brain aneurysm. Chapman, a textile mogul and philanthropist, was chairman, CEO and treasurer of Inman Mills in Spartanburg County, S.C.
Garcia said he and Chapman developed a friendship from his days as an amateur days playing the Masters.
“Him and Nick Evans were the first two members when I started coming here in 1999 as an amateur, were the first two members that we built a relationship with and we played golf with,” Garcia said Tuesday. “Then we got to know the whole membership, which was amazing. But those two were the first two, and we built a really big friendship. And it was very sad to hear what happened to him.”
Garcia said he was happy to win the Masters, his first golf major title, last year with Chapman there to witness the long-awaited victory.
“I remember the hug we had just as we finished at the 18th hole, just before the prize giving,” Garcia said. “I remember he was right behind me on the right on the prize giving, and it was very special. I know that he wanted me to win, many people wanted me to win, but he wanted me to win so badly, and fortunately at least he got to see that. So I hope he’s enjoying it up there.”
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