Sergio Garcia goes into the final round of LIV Golf Chicago with a fantastic chance of securing his second individual title of the year, with the Spaniard just one shot back of his countryman, Jon Rahm.
Sergio Garcia made five birdies during his second round at LIV Golf Chicago to ensure that he will be in a group with Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka on Sunday. Remarkably, the 44-year-old was one of only three players in the field not to make a bogey on Saturday.
Of course, much of the focus this week is on the battle between Rahm and Joaquin Niemann, as the pair fight over the season’s individual title. However, Garcia has his own target, with the 2017 Masters champion looking to catch Tyrrell Hatton in third place.
Garcia finished his first year on LIV in ninth place, while he dropped down to 17th last season. So he has made a significant jump up the table, having finished second on two occasions. And obviously, Garcia ended up winning at LIV Golf Andalucia after Anirban Lahiri’s dramatic collapse on the final hole.
Sergio Garcia shares how his mentality has now changed
It is an outstanding achievement for Garcia, who has certainly had his fair share of low moments in his career. And speaking after his second round, he revealed what has changed in his mentality to help him, particularly when he hits a bad shot, enjoy such an impressive year.
“Well, just keep working, keep working hard, not only on the game but mentally, keep believing in yourself. Sometimes it’s simpler said than done. But that’s what it comes down to. Obviously you’re going to have some doubts here and there,” he said.
“I think that accepting it is also important, realising that you’re going to hit bad shots, and obviously you’re never happy about hitting bad shots, but also you have to cheer yourself up when you hit a good shot.
“I’ve been able to do that, and I think because of that, I’ve been a lot calmer on the course. I’m really appreciating the opportunities that I get here in LIV and in the majors and stuff. I’m excited about it.”
A superb achievement for the Spaniard
LIV Golf arguably has issues with the depth within the league, but there is absolutely no question at all over the quality of the top names. So it says something that Garcia has found himself ahead of the likes of Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau.
LIV’s schedule must help a player like Garcia. There are obviously fewer events, and fewer rounds for him to play in, so he has more than enough time to recover properly.
Golf fans know how emotional Garcia can get, but he appears to have reached a place in his life where he is much more content, even when things do not go his way on the golf course. Perhaps he is mindful of the fact that he is potentially into the twilight of his career at the highest level and wants to make the most of playing as well as he is right now.
A podium finish this season would definitely be a statement.
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