Mallorca set for Spanish showdown

Ryder Cup partners Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal reverted to friendly rivals today in order to maintain the Spanish stranglehold on the Mallorca Classic title.

Garcia and Olazabal formed a superb partnership in Europe’s record-equalling victory against the United States last month, teaming up to win both of their fourball matches at the K Club.

However, that was certain to be forgotten at Pula Golf Club as the pair sought to secure an important victory before the end of the season in an event won by Spanish stars Miguel Angel Jimenez, Garcia and Olazabal since its inception in 2003.

Olazabal’s motivation stems from the fact he is the defending champion this week – and on a golf course he has been redesigning over the past few years - while Garcia is seeking a first win of the season.

Garcia has enjoyed nine top-10 finishes this year, including third in the US PGA Championship and fifth in the Open at Hoylake, where he played in the final group with eventual winner Tiger Woods.

The 26-year-old was an inspirational figure in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, again prompting questions about why he has failed to translate such sensational golf in a team format – 15 points from a possible 20 – to major success.

“There are many types of players. Some are made for the majors like Tiger Woods, but players like me are suited to the Ryder Cup more,” explained Garcia, first and second in Mallorca the last two years.

“I have always felt a passion for the Ryder Cup. Every week (on tour), I try to do my best but some weeks I can perform better than others. But the Ryder Cup is totally different.

“Every game is like the last round of a major and every point counts. Playing in London the week after the K Club, I was knackered. If I played every week with the same enthusiasm and energy I do in the Ryder Cup, I could not go like that for more than six months. I would be knocked out after six months.

“It takes all the strength out of you.”

If that is the effect the Ryder Cup has on a fit 26-year-old, it is hard to imagine how exhausted the 40-year-old Olazabal was by his first appearance in the event since 1999.

However, the double US Masters champion is also determined to finish the season in style, with only the Volvo Masters at Valderrama next week to come.

“You can still win tournaments when you are 40 but there is no doubt you are nearer the end,” Olazabal admitted.

“You have less years left to be able to do it. But I will keep trying my best and giving it all that I have. I’ll keep fighting, even though the youngsters are pushing very hard.”

Fellow Ryder Cup team-mates Padraig Harrington, Robert Karlsson and Paul McGinley are also in the field, with Harrington looking to close the £147,900 (€220,360) gap between himself and Paul Casey at the top of the Order of Merit.

Harrington needs to win to overtake Casey, who has chosen to rest ahead of the season-ending Volvo Masters.