Europe
Profile: Sergio Garcia
| Born | Castellon, Spain |
|---|---|
| age | 26 |
| height | 5ft 10in |
| Turned Pro | 1999 |
| World ranking | 8 |
| Appearances | (3) 1999-2002-04 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Foursomes | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fourball | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Win Rate | 73% |
El Nino, still waiting to become El Hombre, and capture that elusive first major title which so many believed he would have won by now. However, given that Sergio Garcia is still only 26, time is still very much on his side in that particular pursuit.
The Spaniard continues to dedicate the majority of his time playing in the States and although his form is best described as patchy he remains the leading European player in the World Rankings (ninth).
He has yet to record a win in 2006 and has only managed three top 10s in all. Infrequent ventures in Europe revealed glimpses of his mercurial talent when he was third in the Abu Dhabi Championship, tied ninth in the Scottish Open then tied fifth at the Open at Hoylake.
In truth though, Garcia's limp finish while playing alongside Tiger Woods in the final group in the Open has been all too common when attempting to win the 'Big Ones' in recent years. On this occasion it was a tentative, nervy putting stroke which was the root of the problem.
However, when it comes to the Ryder Cup, Garcia positively thrives in the team and combative nature of the encounter. In 2004 he became one of only four players to claim four-and-a-half points out of a possible five and few will forget the ebullient partnerships he has had with Jesper Parnevik and later Lee Westwood in the fourballs.
Even at 26 Garcia is something of a European Ryder Cup veteran since making his debut in 1999 and winning in 2002 and 2004. This particular showman is a tangible positive for Ian Woosnam with his attacking style of play. That and the fact that knows how to win.
- Paul Gallagher