Garcia eyes return to winning ways

Former world No.2 seeks to re-establish himself at top level

Sergio Garcia will make his European Tour return at his home club for this week’s Castello Masters, and has already set his sights on becoming world No.1.

The Spanish star’s last win was the HSBC Champions almost two years ago and since then he has fallen from No.2 to 68th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

This drop in form prompted the five-time Ryder Cup player to take a self-imposed two-month break from the game.

Following a successful vice-captain’s role at the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, however, Garcia has regained a desire to win, and feels a long-awaited title could come at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo.

“I feel fine after my two-month break,” he said. “I made the decision to stop between the Players and the US Open as I had lost my motivation and felt drained.

“I needed the break, I had lost the desire to play, and practicing had become an obligation.

“Now, on the contrary, I feel full of energy, and actually enjoy practicing. I have set myself new goals and look forward to performing again at the top level.

“I have been doing different things these two months – other sports and relaxing with my friends and family. I have also been working on my mental approach with a sophrologist to help me put things in the right place. I know more about myself and feel able to answer my own questions.

“I now have clear goals. For a start, I want to win the Castelló Masters and the remaining tournaments, and then I want to return gradually to where I should be, and perform to my full potential, i.e. be world No.1.

“I needed to miss the game a little bit. Obviously I missed it, that’s why I am back.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered