EXCLUSIVE: Sergio Garcia’s LIV Golf redemption: From Open qualifying heartbreak to ‘dream’ victory
Sergio Garcia, the seasoned Spanish golfer, faced a tough setback earlier this month when he failed to qualify for The Open Championship at West Lancashire Golf Club. This miss cost him the chance to make his 100th major start at Royal Troon, leaving him visibly dejected as he walked off the green of his 36th…
Sergio Garcia, the seasoned Spanish golfer, faced a tough setback earlier this month when he failed to qualify for The Open Championship at West Lancashire Golf Club. This miss cost him the chance to make his 100th major start at Royal Troon, leaving him visibly dejected as he walked off the green of his 36th hole.
However, the prospect of playing at the Real Club Valderrama a week later offered a glimmer of hope. Garcia’s spirits lifted at the mention of this iconic Spanish course during his media duties post-qualification attempt. Valderrama holds a special place in Garcia’s heart, as he has secured three victories there during his time on the DP World Tour.
In 2023, both Garcia and Valderrama transitioned from the DP World Tour to the LIV Golf circuit. Returning to this beloved course proved to be a perfect opportunity for Garcia to rebound from his disappointment. He leveraged his familiarity with Valderrama to his advantage, ultimately winning his first LIV Golf title.
The tournament’s climax was intense, with Garcia securing a spot in a playoff against Anirban Lahiri after the Indian golfer missed a critical one-foot putt. Garcia had shot a remarkable five-under-par 66 in the final round. His extensive experience at Valderrama paid off as he triumphed in the playoff, winning both the individual prize and the team title with the Fireballs. Reflecting on this victory, Garcia told Mirror Sport at LIV UK, “It was a dream come true. To get my first win with LIV after having a handful of chances to do it, but then do it in Spain in a playoff, and the way it all happened it was definitely very special and a very proud moment.”
Despite his earlier disappointment at West Lancashire, Garcia harbors no regrets about his efforts. “Of course you go to West Lancs to try and qualify,” he said. “You are close and don’t qualify but at the end of the day I did everything I could. There is nothing you can ask of yourself if you give it everything, and unfortunately it didn’t happen.”
When asked whether his failure to qualify for The Open added extra motivation for his performance in Spain, Garcia emphasized that playing at Valderrama in front of his home crowd was motivation enough. “I was already fueled to go to Valderrama because I love that place. It is a LIV event too which is always fun and to be played in my home country in front of my home crowds is always special, so I was very happy with how things went.”
Now, Garcia is set to play in front of a British crowd again, this time at LIV UK’s new venue, the JCB Country and Golf Club. He aims to become only the second LIV player to win back-to-back events in Uttoxeter this weekend. “It is nice to have the possibility [of going back-to-back],” he said. “I am looking forward to hopefully playing well here, and then putting myself in with another chance of winning. It is not easy, it is a very tricky course. There are lots of things you have to know and believe as there are a lot of blind shots, but I am excited and I am ready to give it a shot.”
Garcia’s journey from the heartbreak of missing The Open to achieving a dream victory at Valderrama highlights his resilience and passion for the sport. As he continues to compete, his focus remains on giving his best and embracing the challenges ahead.
