News item: PGA European Tour Fines Sergio Garcia.

For what, you ask? A profanity-laced press conference? Punching a belligerent fan? Showing up drunk?

Nothing that bad, fortunately. Instead, Garcia was fined for kicking an advertising board during last week's Omega European Masters. Yes, you read that right. Garcia...kicked...a...sign.

Oh, the horror! Can you believe he wasn't suspended? How dare he show some real emotion on the course. Doesn't Garcia understand pro golfers are supposed to be mere robots, programmed so every move supports their sponsors? What he should've done after three-putting the 17th for a bogey was simply pick up the ball and wave insincerely toward the crowd. Showing a little anger? Well, we can't have that.

Whatever. I'm sure the fine (the dollar amount was undisclosed) will send the appropriate message. Just as it did during Garcia's previous three "infractions."

Bottom line: Here's one of golf's few real charismatic characters, and he's being penalized for it. Once he hurts someone, then talk to me. Until then, let's direct the fines somewhere else...starting with slow play.

-- Doug Carey