With the FedEx Cup playoffs and Ryder Cup looming, there were many players looking to make a move in the final regular season tournament on the PGA Tour. One of the more notable players to watch this week was Sergio Garcia. Ranked outside the top 100 in the FedEx standing coming into this week, Sergio needed to make a big move. He also needed to make a big move on his European Ryder Cup points list, as he was outside of the projections there as well. With that said, he definitely left a big impression on the golfing world as the final big part of the season comes along.
After a calm 67 on Thursday, he flew right into contention with a sizzling 63 on Friday. This put him 2 shots back into the weekend. He then followed that up with a controlled 66 on Saturday to snag a 1 shot lead heading in to the final round. Garcia looked as composed as ever this week, even when Sunday play had to be stopped due to a rain delay. The sudden downpour had to push the tournament to a Monday finish. That definitely tested his and all of his chasers' mental fortitude.
Sergio eventually was able to do more than just handle the delay- he took advantage of it. He made many birdies, including 4 in a 5 hole stretch to put the tournament away, and never looked like he was in too much trouble. His putting was superb, and his ball striking was just as good. The soft conditions allowed him to fire at pins whenever he wanted, and it really made things every easy for him.
With the win, he racked up his first one on the PGA Tour since 2008 (THE PLAYERS) and his 8th overall.
What's next: Expect Sergio to be full of confidence heading into the playoffs and Ryder Cup. He will definitely not be the same golfer who said "I can't win a major" back at Augusta. With this stellar performance, he showed us again why he's fits right in with the other elite golfers.
Congratulations, Sergio!
Getty Images
No comments:
Post a Comment