OLD SWINGER IS HUNGRY
Garcia turns back clock
SERGIO GARCIA insisted he still had the drive to beat the young guns – and play more Ryder Cups – after his superb 66 at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The 41-year-old Spaniard, right, made his first European Tour cut aged 15, nearly two years before playing partner Collin Morikawa was born.
But while USPGA champion Morikawa,
23, shot an opening 71 – and recent Abu Dhabi winner Tyrrell Hatton struggled to a 76 in their group – Garcia carded six birdies in his bogey-free round to finish just two shots behind leader Richard Sterne.
Garcia, Dubai winner in 2017, said: “The desire’s still there. Obviously my focus is a bit different than it was with getting married and having kids and stuff. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not a competitor. I still love to compete. I love to practise, try to get better all the time. “So it’s nice to see rounds like the one today. It shows I’m putting some good work in.”
He is outside the nine automatic places for this year’s Ryder Cup team but skipper Padraig Harrington recently gave a big hint that he will pick Garcia for his 10th appearance. “Everyone knows how much I’d love that – and I’d love to be a part of a few more,” said the 2017 Masters champion. “Obviously that’s a goal.”
Paul Casey and Robert MacIntyre also showed they are in with a shout.
Casey, 43, said he had benefitted from being based in the USA during lockdown after his five-under 67.
“The golf courses have been open in Arizona,” he said. “I feel for everybody in the UK where golf courses are closed. I’m going to take advantage and make hay.”
MacIntyre closed with two birdies for his five-under 67 playing with Ryder Cup vice-captain Robert Karlsson, who told the Scot: “We’re keeping an eye on you.”