Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Garcia: I want to be golf's No. 1


Sergio Garcia returns to golf at this week's Castello Masters on his home course in Spain refreshed after a two-month break and buzzing from Europe's Ryder Cup victory.
The former world No. 2 ruled himself out of Colin Montgomerie's plans when he decided to take a hiatus from the game to halt his deteriorating form, but was given a backroom role as vice-captain at Celtic Manor.
"I made the decision to stop between The Players Championship and the U.S. Open, as I had lost my motivation and felt drained," he told the European Tour website.

"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."
The 30-year-old has fallen to 68th in the rankings, but is determined to rectify that starting with a good showing at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo course where his father works.
He won the inaugural tournament there in 2008 and was fourth last year.
"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 Castello Masters and the remaining tournaments, and then I want to return gradually to where I should be, and perform to my full potential -- be world number one.
"I needed to miss the game a little bit. Obviously I missed it, that's why I am back."
Garcia is also planning to be part of Europe's Ryder Cup team for the sixth time when the tournament is next held in 2012.
"It was hard not to play the Ryder Cup during the practice rounds. During the matches we were all fighting together as a team and that was great," he said.
"I am obviously a Ryder Cup fan. The atmosphere is unique, not only within the team, but also the galleries are special. And you make friends for life. It's a huge honor to be in the team, not only as a European but as a Spaniard."
Garcia's fellow Ryder vice-captain Jose Maria Olazabal will also return to action, with the two-time major winner playing just his second tournament this year.
The 44-year-old, who has been troubled by rheumatism and tendonitis for several years, missed the cut at the French Open in July.
"I've managed to make successful comebacks in the past, but it gets tougher as you get older," he told reporters. "Your physical condition is tougher to maintain, especially if -- like me -- you have gone almost three years without being able to exercise properly.
"It has been very frustrating not being able to play, not being able to practice and not feeling well. That hurts. But I've always been a positive person and I am already looking forward to getting myself fitter for next year."

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