Sergio staying cool
NEW Masters champion Sergio Garcia said the “coolest” thing since he conquered Augusta was hearing 81,000 people chanting his name at the Bernabeu in Madrid.
In the five weeks since Garcia was fitted with it, the Spaniard has hardly been out of his Masters Green Jacket.
He wore it first to New York City and then to Crans-Montana in Switzerland – where he owns a chalet – and he had it on when he stepped on to the pitch in the ‘El Clasico’ game between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“The coolest thing would be the kick-off at El Clasico, for sure – that was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had,” he said.
“I was telling Rory and some of the other guys I’ve been very fortunate to have amazing cheers and 15,000, 20,000 people chanting my name at Augusta, Ryder Cups. But to walk out in what I think is the best stadium in the world and El Clasico against Barcelona, which is probably the biggest football game that exists, and to have 81,000 people chanting your name, that was extremely special and I was nervous.
“Yes, and I was only kicking the ball 15 yards. But yes, that was unique and something that, with many things that happened at Augusta, I’ll never forget.”
Garcia has never been more popular as he returns to competition here at this week’s Players Championship.
There is clearly a new-found respect for the Spaniard in having ended a miserable run of so many bridesmaid roles at the highest level. And that is no more evident than at the reception he has received in two days of practice around the TPC Sawgrass course, at an event he won in 2008 and was runner-up in 2007 and again two years ago. “Like I’ve said, this is because they respect me,” added Garcia. “They see I haven’t changed in the 20 years I’ve been here on Tour. “That’s the way my parents made me and brought me up. I try to be respectful to everyone and probably they were happy to see that a genuine guy like me was able to get one of his dreams – make his dreams come true. “Everybody has been extremely excited and wanted to take pictures with me with the jacket. It has been a great ride, and we’ve definitely enjoyed every minute.” And while Garcia delights in returning to competition, Players rookie Tommy Fleetwood is just delighted to have found the water guarding the island-green par-three 17th.
“I just knocked it straight in the water there on Tuesday and it was the first time I ever played the hole,” he said, smiling.
“There weren’t many people around but I’m guessing that is going to change come Thursday and Friday and even more so over the weekend.
“So I was pleased to get that out of the way and hope I can keep it on the green now.”
Rickie Fowler, who won this event two years ago, not only avoided the water but aced the hole.