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‘El Nino’ hopes for fair weather Garcia’s changes bring new optimism to his game
Posted: Thursday April 06, 2000 08:50 AM
He had an appointment with Seve, Jose-Maria and Miguel Angel, but the slender young Spaniard stopped to speak with me next to the 1st fairway at the Augusta National Golf Club. Sergio Garcia is slightly shorter than he appears on television with a boyish face that creased into a generous smile when I referred to him by his nickname, "El Nino". The 20-year-old was on his way to play his final practice round for the Masters with three of his heroes: the two-time winner Seve Ballesteros, defending champion Jose-Maria Olazabal and European Ryder Cup player Miguel Angel Jimenez. It's been a troubled start to the year for Garcia, with only one round under 70 and a string of disappointing results. But Garcia spoke frankly about his rift with former caddy, Fanny Sunesson, which he believes contributed to his recent poor performances.
Two weeks ago, Garcia fired Sunesson, Nick Faldo's former caddy, and employed the services of South African Glen Murray, who worked with Retief Goosen for five years. Garcia said he didn't click with Sunesson and thought that her poor advice on club selection contributed to some of his recent struggles with his iron shots. He added that he prefers the relaxed, yet informed style of Murray, whom he said helps bring out Garcia's renowned sense of humor on the course. "We've been working hard for the past week and I feel really comfortable with him", he said. "I think we're going to do well this week...this year...hopefully for many years to come." It's the second Masters championship for Garcia, who was the leading amateur at last year's event with a four-round total of 295, 13-over-par. Shortly after the event, the former British and European amateur champion turned professional and had a highly successful year. He won two events in Europe, the Irish Open and German Masters, and was a memorable second to Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. He also had only one defeat in five matches in his Ryder Cup debut. But this year, as he focuses on the U.S. tour, Garcia has struggled with his swing. Some experts have observed that his high-action may need to be simplified for a more consistent all-round game. However, Garcia said he wasn't overly concerned and has spent more two weeks preparing for the first Major of the year, arriving at Augusta last Wednesday for an early practice round. "It's always special to be at Augusta," he said. "It's a beautiful place, a beautiful course. With all the history, it's just an honor to be here and to be able to play this tournament. "I'm pretty confident and I'm playing pretty well and hopefully we'll have a good tournament here." And with that, Sergio turned his back and headed up towards the first tee for that rendezvous with Seve, Jose Maria and Miguel Angel. He had the same excitable gait that endeared him to golf lovers around the world when he raced up the fairways behind his well-struck shots at the PGA Championship last August.
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