The End For Garcia?
Hello. Next month the PGA returns to Medinah in Chicago. In 1999 Tiger Woods won his 2nd major over a 19-year-old Sergio Garcia. What a difference 7 years makes.
Just think, if Garcia would've won that tournament, he would've been tied with Woods at a major apiece. And, being 4 years younger, their rivalry would've been the talk of the golf world.
Garcia has been part of Ryder Cup victories. But that's as close to a major as he's gotten. In fact, he's never finished better than 5th in a major since, even when being close to the lead like on Sunday. Meanwhile, Tiger has won 11 majors.
What happened? You could argue successfully that Garcia is as talented as Woods. He seems to be able to hit the ball well and scramble. And his putting is no worse than Tiger's putting was at the Masters and US Open.
Then why the difference? How is Tiger able to become an elite putter by the British Open, while Garcia still struggles? Is it more focus and dedication? Less beer commercials? A shorter memory for bad strokes?
Garcia didn't even really get an experience of playing with and chasing the leader. He was 2 over after 3 holes, and never came close to catching Tiger. Why was Garcia unable to carry on his play from shooting 65 Saturday?
I think I found the answer tonight while golfing. I 3-putted the first hole, then lost a ball on the 2nd on the way to a double bogey. Three more 3-putts on the front gave me a 42. Then on the back I shot 35 with 2 bogeys.
What happened? I was more relaxed, because my chance at a career score was over. I think this is what happened to the field in general, and Sergio in particular, on Sunday. They "know" Tiger won't make any mistakes, so they press for a good score, resulting in mistakes. Once the gap is wider, they relax because there's no chance to win, and play better. Of course, once they make their mistakes, Tiger relaxs because his lead is bigger, and plays better.
Sergio must learn to be more relaxed when he's around the lead, a tough task for a fiery personality. Otherwise, he may stay with Colin Montgomerie in the "zero major wins" category.
Regards,
Steve
Just think, if Garcia would've won that tournament, he would've been tied with Woods at a major apiece. And, being 4 years younger, their rivalry would've been the talk of the golf world.
Garcia has been part of Ryder Cup victories. But that's as close to a major as he's gotten. In fact, he's never finished better than 5th in a major since, even when being close to the lead like on Sunday. Meanwhile, Tiger has won 11 majors.
What happened? You could argue successfully that Garcia is as talented as Woods. He seems to be able to hit the ball well and scramble. And his putting is no worse than Tiger's putting was at the Masters and US Open.
Then why the difference? How is Tiger able to become an elite putter by the British Open, while Garcia still struggles? Is it more focus and dedication? Less beer commercials? A shorter memory for bad strokes?
Garcia didn't even really get an experience of playing with and chasing the leader. He was 2 over after 3 holes, and never came close to catching Tiger. Why was Garcia unable to carry on his play from shooting 65 Saturday?
I think I found the answer tonight while golfing. I 3-putted the first hole, then lost a ball on the 2nd on the way to a double bogey. Three more 3-putts on the front gave me a 42. Then on the back I shot 35 with 2 bogeys.
What happened? I was more relaxed, because my chance at a career score was over. I think this is what happened to the field in general, and Sergio in particular, on Sunday. They "know" Tiger won't make any mistakes, so they press for a good score, resulting in mistakes. Once the gap is wider, they relax because there's no chance to win, and play better. Of course, once they make their mistakes, Tiger relaxs because his lead is bigger, and plays better.
Sergio must learn to be more relaxed when he's around the lead, a tough task for a fiery personality. Otherwise, he may stay with Colin Montgomerie in the "zero major wins" category.
Regards,
Steve
posted by Irrelevant at 7:31 PM
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