Sergio Garcia made the cut in his 11th British Open on Friday, even as his energy and level of interest were at the lowest ebb.
The Spaniard had his chances during a windy second round, making the turn at 3-under 33 but finishing with a sloppy 2-over 38 that included two bogeys over the last four holes. Garcia was fit to be tied.
His score in Saturday’s third round, a 2-under 70, allowed for a minor change on the leaderboard, but the major change was Garcia’s attitude, which was due to an intervention of sorts on Friday night.
“Today I think it was a step forward,” Garcia said of his feelings and approach to the game. “I’m still not saying that it’s all done, but it was definitely a step forward, which is better than a step back.”
“Done” for Garcia could mean many things. It’s a fitting description for his relationship with Morgan Leigh Norman, the daughter of Greg Norman.
Garcia and Norman broke up last May and the separation has been hard on Garcia, but last night Garcia sat down with his family and friends to discuss whatever was eating at Garcia. He now hopes that Saturday at the Open will mark the beginning of a new and different life.
“Sometimes I let myself go and get too caught up in the moment,” Garcia said, reflecting on his career thus far. “I think that it’s important for me to realize those things, and you know, at the end of the day, try to enjoy what I do, which is playing golf. I’ve always done it, and unfortunately, lately it hasn’t been that way.”
Garcia talked little about his best round at St. Andrews this week, which happens to be his best round at the British Open since his second round at Turnberry.
It was clear that, at this point in his life, Garcia is more concerned with his attitude while on the course and his life off the course. For now Garcia’s guiding light will be finding happiness, and hopefully his golf will improve along the way.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m still trying to do well,” Garcia said. “But I’m just hoping to do well the right way.”
