Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, will not be participating in the Open Championship at Royal Troon this year, missing out on a spot for the second consecutive year. After barely making it into the U.S. Open last month, Garcia failed to secure a spot at the Open Championship Final Qualifying event. Garcia posted a 71-70 for a total of three under, missing out on one of the four available spots by two strokes. His day was also marred by an incident of slow play during his first round, where he had a testy exchange with officials at the 8th fairway.
The European Ryder Cup legend, Sergio Garcia, expressed frustration over the slow play warning he received during the Final Open Qualifying event, blaming delays on the spectators. He mentioned that the marshals were taking 3-4 minutes to clear the way for each of his shots, causing him to rush through his game. This rush led to a couple of bogeys that might have cost him a spot at the Open Championship. Despite the challenges faced, Garcia did not make it past the qualifying round to secure a spot at Royal Troon this year.
This is not the first time Garcia has faced issues with officials on the course. In the past, he has expressed frustration over rulings and the pace of play, showcasing his competitive nature. Despite the setbacks, Garcia remains a seasoned professional, with a notable career that includes winning the Masters in 2017. His 100th career major start will now be at the Masters next April, where he has earned a lifetime exemption due to his previous green jacket victory.
Alongside Sergio Garcia, other LIV Golf professionals like Sam Horsfield, Branden Grace, Carlos Ortiz, and Peter Uhlein were also attempting to qualify for the Open Championship. The LIV Golf pros have seen their Official World Golf Ranking points decline after joining the rival tour. Despite efforts by the league to earn OWGR points for their events being denied, Garcia and his peers continue to strive for success in major championships and professional golf.
Garcia’s journey in golf has been marked by highs and lows, showcasing his resilience and determination to compete at the highest level. His experiences on and off the course have shaped his career and contributed to his status as a respected figure in the golfing world. As he prepares for his next major start at the Masters, Garcia remains focused on his goals and continues to work towards achieving success in the sport he loves.
