August 11, 2008

Snakebit Sergio: Will he ever win a major?

Padraig Harrington won the 90th PGA Championship Sunday in thrilling fashion, holding off Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis. Harrington's clutch putting down the stretch was the difference and the reason why he has now won the season's last two majors. After hitting his second at 16 into the water and making bogey, Garcia missed a four footer for birdie on 17 after putting his tee shot inside Harrington's ten footer, which he made for birdie. Garcia's bogey at 18 sealed the deal for Harrington to become the first European to win the PGA Championship since 1930.

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So what is going on with Sergio? Granted he did win the Players Championship this year, but do you remember his comments at the trophy presentation? He thanked Tiger Woods for not being there. Remember Woods was out with knee injury that turned out to be much worse than anyone really knew. It appears Sergio needs to work on the mental side of his game. I know these guys are professionals and they all work on the fundamental parts of their games with golf swing coaches and they also work with sports psychologists on the mental side. Sergio obviously needs to do some work there. I'm going to stop short of calling him a choker, because he is still only 28 years old, but he has to work on this part of his game if he ever wants to win a major or multiple majors.

Phil Mickelson was 34 when he won his first major and Harrington 35, so there is definitely time for Sergio Garcia to make his mark if he gets his mental game under control.

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