By E. Michael Johnson
Last month Sergio Garcia and TaylorMade announced they had mutually parted ways and it hasn’t taken the reigning Masters champ long to enjoy his freedom as an equipment free agent.

Photos from the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai show Garcia using a Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic driver as well as the company’s Apex MB irons and Mack Daddy wedges (version not clear from photos) during practice rounds.

Garcia’s use of Callaway clubs news does not come as a huge surprise to those in the industry as there have been strong whispers of Garcia possibly signing with Callaway. Garcia did nothing to dampen those rumors by using an Odyssey Toulon Design putter and Callaway wedges in some events this fall.

The post Sergio Garcia appears closer to a deal with Callaway; using company’s clubs in Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

TaylorMade Golf announced on Monday that it has “mutually agreed” to end its relationship with this year’s Masters champion, Sergio Garcia, with the company releasing the Spaniard from the remaining years of his contract.

The news does not come as a huge surprise to those in the industry as there have been whispers of Garcia possibly going to Callaway. Speculation was further fueled with Garcia’s recent use of an Odyssey Toulon Design putter and Callaway wedges.

The move also makes sense in that TaylorMade has a large investment in endorsement deals with tour players, and with the sale of the company to KPS Capital Partners in May, the new owners might have wanted to shed some of that payroll.

For years Garcia carried the load as the company’s international icon, but with the addition of Rory McIlroy earlier this year, that role is filled. Garcia had been with TaylorMade since 2003, leaving Titleist to join the company. During his time with TaylorMade, Garcia won 19 times internationally including the Players as well as this year’s Masters.

The post Sergio Garcia and TaylorMade part ways, making the Masters champion a free agent appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.