Sergio Garcia picked up his ninth PGA Tour title this weekend in Texas at the AT&T Byron Nelson, putting an end to a nearly four-year winless drought on the American tour.
Garcia stormed into contention late in the day Sunday. Despite dropping two balls in the water early on, he was able to claw his way back up to finish the day at 2-under-68. Tying Brooks Koepka at 15-under and sending the tournament into extra playoff holes. A place Garcia has been many times and in recent years not come out of on top.
But yesterday in Texas the golfing gods seemed to be on his side. Determined to help the 36-year-old achieve his first PGA Tour win since the 2012 Wyndham Championship. With Koepka landing his ball in the water on the first extra hole, it was smooth sailing for Garcia as he conquered the Byron Nelson for the second time in his career.
Sunday’s win also marked an important milestone for the
TaylorMade Golf player as he matched Seve Ballesteros’ record for the most wins on the PGA Tour by a Spanish-born golfer, an achievement that means a lot to Garcia.
“It’s awesome to be up there with Seve who for me means so much,” said Garcia afterwards. Adding, “I won it a la Seve today. I wasn’t on today. I played well the last five holes and the playoff. Other than that I was battling with my swing a little bit. I was playing hard and chipping great and made some great putts and it’s just great that I was able to get it.”
Garcia’s career has not rocketed the way many assumed it would when he turned pro back in 1999. Despite 11 wins on the European Tour as well as his nine PGA Tour titles, the Spaniard has yet to claim major success but with age Garcia has learned there’s more important things in life.
“As you get older, you hopefully become a little bit wiser,” remarked the golfer after his latest win.
“I guess nowadays I also realise that, obviously, winning is amazing, it’s great, it’s an unbelievable feeling, but it’s not the only thing in the world.” Adding, “There’s so many other things that you can do to help people other than hitting the golf ball.”
But on Sunday, hitting the golf ball was pretty good for Garcia…
