It’s worth pointing out that none of this makes Garcia a bad guy. There’s no real need for “think-of-the-children” handwringing. But his actions should be called out and addressed for what they are: unacceptable behavior. In professional golf, frustration is part of the job, and nearly every pro has moments where he needs to blow off steam. But the line Garcia has crossed is one where his frustration affects others. You cannot take your anger out on your caddie or on the golf course. That’s why we tolerate (heck, occasionally celebrate!) a clean snap of the club but admonish gouging the greens. Regardless, whatever steps golf’s governing bodies have taken to encourage Garcia’s behavior to improve have clearly not worked.

Garcia is far from the only offender of golf’s subtler rules, of course. These same cardinal sins have been exposed of late by Matt Wallace (berating his caddie) Bryson DeChambeau (gouging a practice green) or Kuchar himself (stretching for a ruling). There’s rightfully less handwringing over incidents like Patrick Reed’s 18th-hole club-snap at Pebble Beach.

Golf courses are fragile by nature; they have that in common with the pros that walk upon them. Players are allowed to express their emotions, and should do so — the sport becomes rather less exciting without those. But the standard for player conduct on the course is not set particularly high. The Tour should make it clear to Garcia that he needs to clear it.