Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Garcia has to find Port in a storm..
SERGIO Garcia will stand under the sharpest spotlight at this week’s Portugal Masters.
Thomas Bjorn’s surprise pick for next week’s Ryder Cup is woefully short of form, with seven missed cuts in his last 12 starts.
His last win was in Singapore in January while his last top-five finish was at the Valspar in March, so he’s in desperate need of a big performance at Vilamoura.
There has been some disruption off the course for Sergio this year and that may be the overriding reason for his paucity of form.
He recently made an equipment switch from Taylormade to Callaway and sometimes a change in clubs leaves you vulnerable to hesitancy and doubt.
Ahead of the US Open in May, he also parted company with his caddie Glen Murray, who had been by his side for the best part of 14 years.
Sergio is also adapting to family life, having got married last summer before welcoming daughter Azalea into the world in March.
Add in the possibility of a hangover from winning the Masters – his maiden major – 17 months ago and it’s easy to see why he may be struggling to spark.
Garcia’s Ryder Cup credentials – he has 22.5 points from 37 starts – aren’t in question, but he needs a big week in Portugal.
It could be key to his confidence seven days out from facing the Americans.