This would be Sergio Garcia’s major accomplishment, until he wins a major.
The defending champ can highlight his career by becoming the first three-time winner at Westchester in the Barclays Classic that opens today.
“That would be great. Not even three times, but any time you can win the same tournament twice, it is something amazing, and I’ve been fortunate to do it here,” Garcia said. “I’m looking forward to keeping it going and win as many as I can.”
A third would be no small feat. The names Garcia is trying to leave behind are impressive: Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els and, ominously, defending and current money leader Vijay Singh, who is also here seeking that record third.
Garcia (2001, 2004 titles) and Singh (1993, 1995) loom as the first-tee favorites at the Barclays Classic, which is lacking Tiger Woods, Els and Phil Mickelson.
Garcia tied for third at last week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst and won the Booz Allen the week before.
He’s hot and now returns to Westchester, where he has played par-or-better for 19 straight rounds, and enjoyed four straight top-10 finishes.
“It is probably my best course on tour,” Garcia said of the par-71 track, 88-yards longer this year at 6,839. “This course gives me some extra energy because it makes me feel so good.”
Singh also thrives here, making his 13th straight appearance.
“It’s great, better than last week. You can play your normal game now,” Singh said of getting back to PGA style. “I love this golf course. It’s one of my favorites. The crowds are a little louder than in the rest of the country, but you just have to get used to it.”
Crowds in New York, notably Bethpage, used to unhinge Garcia. The 25-year-old Spaniard says he has tempered his trademark temper, and that he’s all the better for it.
“I probably don’t take it as seriously as I used to when I am out there. I do take it seriously, but maybe I don’t get as frustrated as I used to,” Garcia said. “I try to go along with it a little better.
“That has been helping me a little bit, to stay up and not worry about when you hit a bad shot or make a bogey here and there. Probably believing in my ability also helps.”
Westchester’s record money-winner at $2,042,375, Garcia says his different demeanor has made a difference. He ranks sixth in the world and eighth in cash this year at $2,229,585, finishing ninth in both categories last year.
“You kind of mature as you get older,” Garcia said. “You realize golf is important – I love to play golf and really enjoy trying to win tournaments – but it is not really that big a deal. You still have to go there, have fun and have a nice life. Don’t get frustrated because you play a bad round of golf.
“It has helped me a couple of shots, easily.”
