Renowned figure in the world of major championship golf, Sergio Garcia, is preparing for another attempt to secure a spot in the upcoming Open. After a disappointing performance at last year’s Open qualifying, the Spanish golfer is determined to make a strong comeback at the West Lancashire Golf Club and secure a place at Royal Troon.
Having clinched the prestigious title of Masters champion at Augusta National in 2017, Garcia’s status as a major championship contender has suffered following his transition to LIV Golf, resulting in a decline in his Official World Golf Ranking. This setback has led him to take the qualifying route in order to earn a place in this year’s flagship event on British soil.
Last summer, Garcia showcased his skills at West Lancashire in his bid to secure a spot at Royal Liverpool. Despite an impressive performance in the opening round, he fell short by three shots after the second 18 holes, bringing an end to his remarkable streak of competing in the previous 24 editions of The Open.
Expressing his disappointment following the qualifying setback, Garcia stated, “I felt I had it close, in the grasp of my hand, but that’s what it is. If you don’t even come here you can’t get disappointed because you are not even trying.” He emphasized the importance of putting oneself in a challenging position and acknowledged that although he gave it his best shot, it simply wasn’t enough.
Now, determined to redeem himself, Garcia is set to hit the greens once again at West Lancashire. As one of seven LIV Golf members in the field on the Wirral, he will be teeing off next Tuesday (July 2) alongside DP World Tour member Sam Bairstow. Fellow LIV star and 2015 Open runner-up Marc Leishman will also be competing at West Lancashire, alongside other notable golfers such as Carlos Ortiz, Jason Kokrak, Sebastian Munoz, Kieran Vincent, Sam Horsfield, Graeme McDowell, Branden Grace, and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra.
The comeback journey doesn’t end there, as Abraham Ancer, Anirban Lahiri, Laurie Canter, Peter Uihlein, and Danny Lee are all set to vie for their qualifying spots at various other golf clubs. With a strong field of competitors, the qualifying rounds are sure to be a test of skill and determination for all participants.
As the qualifying event approaches, it is evident that Garcia and his fellow competitors are preparing to give it their all in pursuit of securing a coveted spot at The Open. The golfing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this challenging and exciting qualifying tournament, where Garcia and others will have the chance to showcase their talent and resilience on the course.