Sergio Garcia has revealed why he feels Open qualifying is completely unique after getting his attempt underway at West Lancashire Golf Club.
Garcia is one of a number of high-profile names looking to book their spot in the year’s final major championship, which gets underway at Royal Troon on July 18.
Justin Rose, Thomas Detry and Graeme McDowell are the other notable names competing on Tuesday.
Due to his presence on LIV and subsequent lack of world ranking points, Garcia has been forced to earn his spot at this year’s Open.
What Sergio Garcia loves about Open qualifying
Taking to X on Tuesday morning, Garcia claimed the final qualifying process provides him with a “unique” perspective rather than automatically making the field.
Garcia said: “Going through qualifiers gives a unique perspective. It’s tough, but I enjoy the challenge. Direct qualification is ideal, but competing for limited spots makes you value it more.”
The Spaniard added: “With so few spots, like The Open’s 72 players competing for 5-6 spots, you realize how hard it is to make it to majors. It drives you to give even more when you qualify.”
Sergio Garcia’s Open Championship record
After making it through to the US Open field at the last minute, Garcia went on to finish T12, which capped a positive week for the Spaniard.
With his major championship form seemingly in good shape, he certainly has the game to compete at Royal Troon if he qualifies.
Low-flighted shots are almost non-negotiable at The Open Championship, and it’s one of the 44-year-old’s clear strengths.
Garcia has previously finished runner-up twice at the Open and placed in the top five on five occasions. Furthermore, the Spaniard has only missed the cut five times out of his 25 appearances at The Open.
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