Sergio Garcia qualifies for the Open Championship
After finishing runner-up in the BMW International Open, Sergio Garcia has earned himself a chance to play in the Open Championship, which will take place in July at St George Golf Club, England.
Garcia, who had fallen out of Top 50 players on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), is celebrating his contention into the third major of the season, which will take place in the coming month. The Spaniard had nearly lost his
chance to compete in the Open Championship owing to his recent form, but circumstances changed as the veteran bagged the second place in the BMW International Open, which took place in Germany.
The veteran was tied in regulation with Pablo Larrazabal, which eventually pushed the tournament into a play-off. The 31-year-old missed the birdie-putt on the fifth play-off hole and lost the chance to lift the trophy. Despite that,
he earned €222,220, which helped him make a huge hike in OWGR: the player is now ranked at the 51st spot.
As the Top 50 players earn an automatic entrance into the Open Championship, Garcia is all set to revoke the magic that saw him winning the HSBC Champions title in November, 2008.
Commenting on the good news, Garcia said, “I think the play-off was awesome. We hit good shot after good shot. Overall, I am pretty satisfied. I am sure we can learn some good things from this and move forward. Making The Open was
definitely one of the goals. I wanted to win if I could, but unfortunately Pablo was just a little bit better.”
Before going to Germany for the European Tour event, Garcia was little worried over his contention in the Open Championship. He has not missed a Major since the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie. According to the historians of
golf, that tournament was Garcia’s best performance in any major. He led the four-day session by one stroke, but surrendered the victory in the hands of Padraig Harrington.
The Spaniard has earned himself a golden chance, but will he utilize it and manage to end his dry period is anyone's guess for now.
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