Garcia makes perfect start to Ryder Cup race with Masters victory

SERGIO GARCIA put a smile on the face of Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam yesterday by winning the first qualifying event for next year’s match.

The 25-year-old Spaniard, who has lost only three of 15 games against the Americans since his debut in 1999, chipped in at the short 16th and parred the last two holes for a one-stroke victory over Swede Peter Gustafsson at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

However, a week that earned Garcia £193,277 has also landed him back in trouble with the European Tour. Not for the first time, he faces a possible fine for a show of temper.