Abu Dhabi: Flamboyant Spanish golfer and crowd favourite Sergio Garcia is confident a year of consistency can catapult him back into the winner’s spotlight against the big guns at January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The colourful 33-year-old will return to Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course from January 16 to 19 in buoyant mood after an impressive season, during which he’s secured eight top-20 finishes in 12 European Tour starts. And, despite an unexpected title drought this year, the world number 20 says his game has never been in better shape.
“I’ve not won a tournament so far this year but in many respects it has been a great season for me,” Garcia said. “The hard work is paying off and my game has improved on so many levels.
“I feel a big win is just around the corner. There is no reason why it can’t be in Abu Dhabi. I love starting my season there because I always feel comfortable. The weather, crowds and players make it an extra special event. My form is building nicely and I would love nothing more than to win against Abu Dhabi’s challenging line-up.”
Last year, the three-time Major runner-up produced an ace on the 12th hole of The National, using a seven-iron to drop the ball on the green before it gently rolled into the cup. Garcia’s hole-in-one was crowned the European Tour’s Shot of the Month and was the first of his Tour career.
“I really enjoyed that moment,” said Garcia. “It was my first ever Tour ace so it was pretty special. I’m hoping I can produce more shots like that in January.”
Garcia, who has been swinging golf clubs since the age of three, set the tone for his career by creating worldwide headlines with his most famous shot during the 1999 PGA Championship, just after he turned professional. With the 16th green at Chicago’s Medinah Country Club hidden from view, he swung hard from behind a tree, hitting a low curving fade that ran onto the green. Shortly after, he became the youngest player ever to compete in the Ryder Cup.
Garcia will join a stellar Abu Dhabi Championship line-up that includes world number four and five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, world number five and US Open title-holder Justin Rose, former world number ones Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking ambassador Matteo Manassero and the reigning champion, Welshman Jamie Donaldson. Three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer also returns for his fourth shot at the title.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2014 is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Tickets and packages are available via abudhabigolfchampionship.com and ticketmaster.ae priced at Dh50 for a daily pass and Dh150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the championship period can enter free.
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