Sergio Garcia is hoping to continue the fine form that saw him finish fifth at last week’s US Open Championship when the BMW International Open starts on Thursday, but the Spaniard admits Oakmont has taken it’s toll physically and mentally.
The World Number 12 was right in the mix during a fascinating final round in Pennsylvania before Dustin Johnson eventually pulled clear to win the year’s second Major Championship.
Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof is set to provide a very different test this week, but having finished 29th and 12th on his two previous appearances over the course Garcia is not too concerned about making the necessary adjustments.
“I am excited about the week,” he said. “I am a little jet-lagged and short of energy but I am sure I will find it for tomorrow.
“Obviously this week is a different test from Oakmont – there are more options here and you can be more aggressive but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter how tough the golf course is because at the end of the day you need to hit good shots and make putts to win anywhere.
“The golf course is very lush and a little wet because of the bad weather they have had here but it is in great shape.
“The rough is heavy but I am sure we are going to have to make a few more birdies here than we did at Oakmont if we are to do anything this week but that’s okay – it’s good to have different challenges.
“I think it probably helps that I have played here before but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t tired and not just because of the jet-lag but because of what the US Open, and particularly Oakmont, asks of you physically and mentally. But hopefully I will be close to 100 per cent and be able to play to a good level.”
Garcia’s 21st top-ten finish in a Major Championship has heightened his ambition to follow Johnson in breaking his duck.
And the Ryder Cup star believes he can contend at both The Open Championship at Troon and the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol in the coming months.
“I am excited about it,” he added. “Troon is a good, tough and tight golf course.
“Everyone knows that I love The Open and that it is my favourite event of the year.
“The PGA at Baltusrol is another great venue and I would love to be able to get into contention at both of those events over the next few weeks. I am looking forward to them.”
