Sergio disappointed, down, but not out
SOUTHPORT, England—By his own math, Sergio Garcia has no shot at winning the Open Championship Sunday. In Saturday's third round the Spaniard shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at nine over for the tournament, seven shots back of overnight leader Greg Norman.
But for Garcia, that wasn't good enough.
"I felt like I needed no more than two over to have a chance," he said. "I could have done that, but things didn't happen. I'm disappointed. I fought really hard and didn't get anything out of it."
Garcia said the high winds that battered Royal Birkdale on Saturday made scoring almost impossible. "Any day you're hitting a 5-iron from 130 yards when you usually hit it 200 yards, you know it's a tough day. So many putts were hit with the ball wobbling," he said. "[The R&A] was close to calling it off for a while."
Tied for 15th with 18 holes to go, Garcia will have to overcome some formidable competition to make an unlikely run at the championship he lost in a playoff last year. In addition to Norman, he'll have to leapfrog the defending champion, Padraig Harrington, and K.J. Choi, among others.
(Photo: Peter Morrison/AP)
Posted by: James | Jul 20, 2008 8:24:16 AM
Too many excuses. Let the putter do all the talking! I am tired of Garcia's excuses every time he comes up short...which is usually any time he comes into contention. This is indicative of a player who chokes under pressure. If he can't get over it, he will be done.
Posted by: Harrison. | Jul 20, 2008 5:03:25 AM
If Sergio turns it on today.He could easily shoot 64 or 65 and win this thing.
It's all about the front nine...Sergio knows he can come home in an at least three under par 33 having birdied 13,15 and 17 this week.
He's the best player in this field and in my opinion 2nd only to Tiger Woods.It's just a matter of time before he wins majors.
Will he fulfill his potential today and make the turn at -2 before storming home in a -4 32 to take the title?
He's quality and it's certainly within him.I think he can do it.
+3 or +4 will win this thing.Very reachable for Sergio.
Posted by: UUG | Jul 20, 2008 2:16:27 AM
No Way! Chokin' Norman! Maybe Padraig. My Sunday's pick..KJ Choi!
Posted by: uug | Jul 19, 2008 8:51:57 PM
This guy Garcia is so hypocrite. Just the other day he said, he like playing in a windy condition. Now he's using it as an excuse. He never stop blaming others. Bet you he also blame his caddy, ex-girlfriends and coaches too. Wobbling putts or not, Garcia is a terrible putter! Here is another guy who will never win the Open championship! He is overrated!
Posted by: Dan | Jul 19, 2008 8:50:43 PM
Go Shark! Bye Bye Vijay. Back to Norm Phil. Sergio, if your ability matched your ego you would have something.
Posted by: C Tanner | Jul 19, 2008 8:05:58 PM
Go Norman!!!
Yippee! The Shark is better than ever!!!
Posted by: rubenp | Jul 19, 2008 5:11:48 PM
Sergio you are a very good player,my favorite player but por favor no mas excusas, just concentrate more, put your ego on the side and play smart.Buena suerte