Sergio Garcia ‘a bit disappointed’ but well in hunt at Troon

Sergio Garcia was happy to sign for a 68 on day one of the Open Championship after claiming he played poorly. The Spaniard was three under after the first round at Royal Troon, five behind leader Phil Mickelson.

Garcia felt he should have made more of the benign weather that benefited the afternoon starters.

The world number 12 said: “They are probably some of the best conditions I have played in in an Open. It is a good score for sure, I am not going to say no to that, but I didn’t feel I played well at all.

“I am a little bit disappointed I didn’t hit the ball better and maybe shot five or six under.

“But at the same time I am happy with the way I fought and without feeling comfortable at all I managed to shoot three under. The way I was feeling it could have been 73 or 74 and ended up being a 68. So that’s good.”

With a forecast for more inclement weather today, Garcia accepts he is going to have to improve.

.@TheSergioGarcia shoots an opening round of 68 at #TheOpen. A good start for El Niño. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/qYZQ4Xb3Vs

— TaylorMadeGolfEurope (@TaylorMadeTour) July 14, 2016

The 36-year-old, twice runner-up at the Open, said: “I hit some good shots, obviously, but my swing didn’t feel too compact. I need to play better, obviously, the next three days if I want to be up there.”

Meanwhile Germany’s Martin Kaymer admits he is much happier playing on ‘home’ European soil as he carded his second best round of the year to earn a share of second place in The Open at Royal Troon.

An opening bogey-free 66 left him just three behind leader Phil Mickelson at The Open.

“It took me 10 years to figure it out and understand where the best place for me to play my best golf is.

“Obviously I had huge success in America and I love playing in America but not all year long because I’m from Europe and that’s why I enjoy playing in Europe a lot.”