Garcia tees up for Masters chance Down Under

SPANIARD Sergio Garcia declared himself a contender to win this week’s Australian Masters as he continues his comeback from a self-imposed exile from the game.

With his putting deserting him, his ranking crashing to 68 from a career-high world No.2 in March 2009, and without a tournament win since 2008, Garcia took two months off after losing his cool in a bunker at the US PGA Championship. He said he now felt refreshed and had a renewed appetite for golf.

“It’s been great, it’s something I needed to do, mainly because I have been playing so much, as a professional and an amateur too,” Garcia said yesterday. “I needed some recharge in the batteries. I feel good and I can start to get back into the game.”

Another troubled golfer, defending champion Tiger Woods, is expected in Melbourne today.

Garcia said the former world No.1 was still a player to beat, but had lost his fear factor.

“I think you can never count out a guy like Tiger, one of the greatest players we’ve ever had in the game and definitely a man to beat and watch. He’s maybe not as fearsome (as 12 months ago), I think that obviously he’s gone through his fair share of problems too, he’s trying to get back into it too.

“At the moment I’m more worried about myself than him.”

Garcia said he played well in his second tournament after the break, in Valderrama, Spain, in late October.

“I think so, yes, if I play like I played two weeks ago why not,” said Garcia when asked if he could win.

“I played very, very nicely, it’s just a matter of getting everything together but that’s the reason I came here ... my goal is to play well and have a chance of winning and if I play to my ability I know that I can do it.”

Garcia planned to inspect the Victoria course on Tuesday.

He said he had always enjoyed Australian courses.

“I love the way they’re manicured, the way the bunkers run in ... they usually play fast and firm if the weather is good which is the kind of golf courses I like, so I’m excited to play and get a good look at it.”

Despite his title drought, including his failure to capture a major through his career, Garcia said he felt capable of again climbing the rankings.

He had learnt a lot about himself over the past two years, both on and off the course, as he dealt with his break-up from Greg Norman’s daughter Morgan-Leigh.

“It’s been OK, not that bad,” the 30-year-old said.

“The tough years are always the ones you learn the most from ... so I think I’ve learnt a lot about myself.

“I’ve learnt a lot about my game and I looking forward to keep improving it ... I’m still young in golf age.”