(Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
The magic of Sergio Garcia, one of the best golfers in Spain’s history, is back. With 16 wins
on the DP World Tour, 11 titles on the PGA Tour and an unforgettable US Masters title in
2017, the Spaniard will once again perform in front of his adoring home fans, in what
promises to be an emotional homecoming.
After hundreds of attempts at the majors, including that dramatic defeat to Padraig
Harrington in The Open at Carnoustie, Sergio finally got over the line in 2017. He won at
Augusta, where he had struggled for so many years, and he did so in style; with a
swashbuckling back nine and a nail-biting playoff against Justin Rose. The putt that refused
to drop in Scotland, finally found the bottom of the hole. His celebration, looking up to the
skies of Georgia are now the stuff of sporting legend in Spain.
Sergio Garcia boasts one of the most impressive records in golf; from 1999 to 2020 he
played in every single major. That’s 84 in a row, a clear demonstration of his greatness,
consistency and commitment to the sport. Only COVID-19 was able to bring an end to his
run, when a positive test prevented him from playing in the US Masters that year.
A left-hander, he decided to play golf right-handed under the tutelage of his father in
Castellon. After over two decades of elite golf, the always innovative, ever-competitive
Garcia has forged an astonishing career. Just a glance at his 1999 swing alongside today’s
is enough to see how he has evolved and adapted to the modern game, both technically and
physically. From tee to green he continues to be one of the most accurate golfers on the
planet.
Sergio stunned the world with his impossible no-look shot from under a tree at Medinah in
1999 and that crazy chip from the bow of a tree at Bay Hill. A genius with an iron in his hand
and, above all, the best player in the history of the Ryder Cup with a record 28.5 points in the
biannual team event that still stands today and does not look like being broken any time
soon.
But more than just stats, what sets Sergio apart is his charisma, his passion and his
connection with the people. An expressive player who wears his heart on his sleeve, the
next moment of magic is never far away with El Niño. An athlete who has reinvented himself
time and time again, overcoming adversity, injuries, criticism and changes in the fabric of
world golf.
His presence at this year’s Open de España presented by Madrid elevates the tournament
to another level. Sergio will be teeing it up as one of the favourites on a track that he knows
like the back of his hand. The Black Course at Club de Campo is a perfect match for his
game. Then, of course, there is the added motivation of playing at home. And when Sergio
plays at home, the magic is guaranteed.
For the upcoming generations of Spanish golfers, Garcia continues to be a guiding light. He
is a role model and a constant inspiration. For the fans he is nothing short of a living legend,
but one who still has plenty to give. Madrid is getting ready to cheer him on, to pay tribute to
him and, who knows, maybe even to celebrate another historic victory with him.
Because when Sergio sets foot on a golf course in Spain, not only does he play, he allows
us to dream.
