Defending champion Sergio Garcia unable to bounce back, misses Masters cut

It wasn't a true first-to-worst scenario.

But it wasn't that far off for 2017 Masters Tournament champion Sergio Garcia.

After capturing the title last year with a thrilling playoff victory, Garcia found little to celebrate in his return to Augusta National Golf Club. The 38-year-old Spaniard saw his hopes of repeating sink during Thursday's first-round 81 and the meltdown continued Friday in a second-round 78.

Finishing at 15-over 159 for the tournament, Garcia tied for 82nd.

"I'm disappointed and I would have loved to have had a better defense of my title," Garcia said in a Spanish-only interview with his home country's press contingent. "Unfortunately, this is golf and sometimes that's what happens."

PHOTOS: Second round at the Masters Tournament

Garcia became the 11th golfer to miss the cut the year following his Masters victory, joining the likes of fellow countrymen Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal and 2017 champion Danny Willett. His 159 is also the highest score ever posted by a defending champion, topping the 156 by Nick Faldo in 1997.

It was only his sixth missed cut in 20 Masters appearances and first since 2014.

Garcia's tournament might be done, but his stay in Augusta isn't. As the defending champion, Garcia will be present for Sunday's ceremonial passing of the green jacket to this year's champion.

Thursday's blowup came mainly from his now-infamous 13 on No. 15, when he put five balls into the pond in front of the green. Friday was a slower demise.

Even par through the first five holes, Garcia got a bad case of the bogeys, starting with back-to-back ones on Nos. 6 and 7. He began his back nine with a double bogey on No. 10 before taking three straight bogeys through Amen Corner, finally righting the ship with a birdie on No. 14.

Another bogey followed on No. 16, but Garcia finished his 6-over round with a birdie on No. 18, hitting to six feet. He received a hearty ovation as he walked up to the 18th green and the birdie drew another roar from the patrons.

"Aside from the golf, the galleries have been incredible and the patrons have been incredible," Garcia said. "It's been a great week and unfortunately I had a bad hole (Thursday) and that killed my week."