Garcia eager to move on

Sergio Garcia hopes to show this week that he is over what happened in the British Open at Carnoustie.

Beaten in a play-off by Padraig Harrington after leading by four early on the final day and by one standing on the final tee, Garcia admits it was tough to handle at first.

But after finishing the Bridgestone world championship yesterday with a 67 – on six over par and joint 20th he was still 14 behind runaway winner Tiger Woods - the Spaniard sounded more optimistic about the US PGA championship starting in Tulsa on Thursday.

“It’s been getting better every day,” commented Garcia. “The first day was really tough, but my head is starting to go a little bit more where I want it to be.

“I’m hitting the ball well and rolling the putter nicely. It’s just a matter of getting it going. I had a good experience of leading (at the Open) round after round after round that I hope will help me. It was nice to feel that pressure constantly and play through it.

“I’m looking forward to getting into that position again.”

Harrington beat Garcia by one shot again in coming 14th and, after all the post-Open celebrations, that was no mean performance by the Dubliner.

Harrington stated: “I may have won the Open two weeks ago, but it’s the same old story out on the course. A lot of work and a lot of discipline has to go into it and at times my focus wandered.

“While I was good this week in my preparation, it’ll certainly needs to be better for next week.

“I like all the hubbub. I’m only going to win my first major once, so it’s good to enjoy it. I was determined to put in a reasonable effort this week, but now it’s the PGA and we’ve got to get going for that.

“I feel fine. I obviously have a few things to work on. I wasn’t quite happy with how I was swinging it this week. I know what I need to do and hopefully I’ll be ready to go on Thursday.”