Sergio Garcia’s impressive performance at the Asian Tour’s International Series Macau was marred by a critical mistake on the final hole. A three-putt hole cost him his chance to qualify for the Open Championship, as he missed a crucial birdie putt on the 72nd hole. This error allowed fellow golfer Jason Kokrak to secure the third spot and qualify for the major championship.
Despite the disappointing finish, Garcia’s overall performance in Macau was commendable. The 45-year-old recorded four rounds in the 60s with 23 birdies and eight bogeys throughout the week. After his victory in Hong Kong, Garcia currently sits third in LIV Golf’s internal rankings, with a chance to secure a spot in the Open Championship. The new exemption category established by the R&A for the Saudi-backed league could potentially benefit him if he maintains or improves his ranking through the completion of the Dallas event in June.
In addition to relying on the LIV Golf rankings, Garcia has the option to play in the DP World Tour’s Italian Open, which offers two qualifying spots for the Open Championship. However, the European event overlaps with LIV Golf’s Dallas event, posing a scheduling conflict for the Spanish golfer. If he does not secure an exemption through the internal rankings, Garcia would need to seek qualification in the regional and final qualifiers, which also present challenges due to conflicting dates with the Dallas event.
Garcia faces a tough decision on how to proceed with his quest to qualify for the Open Championship. The regional qualifiers in the UK and Ireland are scheduled to take place on June 23rd, while the final qualifiers will be held on July 1st. These dates coincide with the LIV Golf event in Dallas, creating logistical challenges for Garcia in his pursuit of securing a spot in the major championship. Given the circumstances, Garcia is likely relying on the LIV Golf internal rankings as his best chance to earn a place in the Open Championship field.
Ultimately, Sergio Garcia’s recent performance at the International Series Macau showcased his talent and competitive spirit on the golf course. Despite the setback on the final hole, Garcia remains optimistic about his chances of qualifying for the Open Championship through the new exemption category and potential opportunities presented by other tournaments. As he navigates the challenges ahead, Garcia will need to make strategic decisions to maximize his chances of competing in the prestigious major championship at Royal Portrush. Golf fans and enthusiasts will be eagerly following Garcia’s journey as he pursues his goal of securing a spot in the Open Championship field.
