Sergio Garcia’s quest to make it into the Open Championship hit a snag, and it wasn’t just the rough weather or challenging course. The 44-year-old golfer, known for his fiery spirit, was put on the clock for slow play during his final qualifier at Liverpool’s West Lancashire Golf Club.
Garcia, a member of LIV Golf, found himself tied for sixth place with a score of 3 under, after rounds of 71 and 70. Unfortunately, only the top four at this venue could advance to Royal Troon. “I come here and I try my hardest to get into The Open,” Garcia lamented. “It would be nice to make The Open my 100th major, but it was tough conditions and sometimes things don’t go your way. … I tried everything that I could and that’s all I can ask myself for.”
The drama didn’t end there. Garcia was caught on video expressing his frustration to officials about being timed, alleging that fans were slowing him down. “The marshals were trying to do the best job they could do, but obviously, we had to stop pretty much on every tee for two to three minutes to hit our tee shots because people were walking in front of the tee and on the fairway,” he said. “Unless we wanted to start hitting people, we couldn’t hit. I don’t think they took that into account, and that was unfortunate. It made us rush.” Despite his protests, the decision stood, and Garcia’s opportunity slipped away.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose and Abraham Ancer successfully made it through their qualifiers. Rose, a seasoned veteran, has had a challenging year but proved his resilience by securing a spot after 36 grueling holes at Somerset’s Burnham & Berrow. “You kind of take it for granted,” Rose reflected on his career. “As you get a little older, things get a little harder. It makes you appreciate how special The Open is.”
As the Open Championship looms, the field is almost set with just a few spots remaining. The final lineup will be revealed following the outcomes of the John Deere Classic, the Scottish Open, and other qualifying events. Garcia, who came agonizingly close to winning The Open in 2007 and tied for second in 2014, will once again be watching from the sidelines—his dream of making The Open his 100th major remains unfulfilled for now. However, the spirit of competition and the allure of triumph continue to drive these golfers forward, whether they are seasoned professionals or ambitious amateurs.
In the unpredictable world of golf, not every story has a fairytale ending. For Sergio Garcia, this year’s Open Championship qualifiers offered a reminder that sometimes, despite all efforts, the stars just don’t align. But for the fans and players alike, the journey and the pursuit of excellence are what make the sport truly captivating.
Source: Espn
