Sergio Garcia is due for a big win at the majors. He has yet to win a major championship on tour in his career, but has come agonizingly close on numerous occasions. What better way for the 35-year-old Spaniard to establish himself as one of the greats in the sport by winning his first ever Wanamaker Trophy? Read on as we take a look at Garcia’s path to the PGA Championship.
Garcia isn’t the only one gunning for his first ever major championship. Jimmy Walker and Dustin Johnson are also looking hot ahead of this year’s PGA Championship. Check out their respective outlooks for the tournament with our Walker and Johnson previews.
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Three Reasons Why Sergio Garcia Will Win the 2015 PGA Championship
Paid His Dues
[sc:Golf240banner ]You can say Sergio Garcia is due for a big win in the majors. He’s a world class talent, currently ranked 10th in the world in the PGA Tour. However, Garcia can’t seemingly win a major championship. He’s fallen just short with second place finishes in the British Open (2007 and 2014) and this upcoming major, the PGA Championship (1999 and 2008). He also has a top four finish in the Masters (2004) and placed third in the U.S. Open (2005).
Garcia had a chance to win the first ever major of his career in this year’s British Open. He birdied four holes on the front nine in the final round, but proceeded to bogey three times on the back nine to finish tied for sixth at 11-under par. Having a degree of success at the British Open should help Garcia at the PGA Championship considering that both are played on links courses.
The Spaniard has the tools to remain competitive this year. He’s finished in the top five in three other tournaments, albeit they weren’t majors. Garcia finished second at the Players Championship, fourth at the Northern Trust Open and second at the CIMB Classic.
Excellent Play
Garcia has been killing it on the course this season, which has resulted in plenty of success. He’s ranked sixth on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green (1.369), fourth in scoring average (69.730), second in going for the green (70.71 percent), and sixth in Par 4 scoring average (3.98).
His play will come in handy in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits all the more. The course features ten Par 4s. He should be able to hole enough birdies to keep his score as low as possible. He’s ranked 11th on tour in Par 4 Birdies or Better (19.55 percent). However, Garcia could be much better if he can put on a consistent putting game. He’s ranked 130th in strokes gained: putting (-.075) and 122nd in putts per round (29.23).
Maturity
A lack of self-belief has hurt Garcia’s chances of winning a major championship aplenty. He’s been resigned to his fate, believing that the golf gods are against him. He’s the type of player who’d shine if cheered for or fold when jeered at.
Garcia may be maturing right before he turns 36 next January. He’s shown some mettle in his playoff loss at the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass earlier this year. He was harassed throughout the tournament, but still finished second. Making a birdie on the 17th hole of the fourth round showcased some new maturity from Garcia. He didn’t let the crowd’s merciless taunting affect him at all, thus leading to his inclusion in the three-man playoff for the title.
Writer’s Prediction
Better focus and a stellar game have Garcia in the thick of things at the PGA Championship. In the end, though, he still falters at taking home the Wanamaker Trophy, but still finishes in the top 10. Create a betting account now and get in on the hottest golfers to take Whistling Straits by storm.
