Sergio Garcia’s LIV Golf Redemption: From Open Qualifying Heartbreak to ‘Dream’ Victory

Sergio Garcia’s LIV Golf Redemption: From Open Qualifying Heartbreak to ‘Dream’ Victory

Despite failing to qualify for The Open Championship earlier this month, Sergio Garcia quickly bounced back to claim his first LIV Golf title at Valderrama

Sergio Garcia Stepping off the green on his 36th hole at West Lancashire Golf Club earlier this month, a dejected Sergio Garcia once again failed to qualify for The Open Championship, missing out on the chance to make his 100th major start at Royal Troon.

The only glimmer of hope for Garcia was the prospect of returning to Real Club Valderrama a week later, his face lighting up at the thought of the iconic Spanish course as he undertook his media duties following his Open qualifying efforts. The track is close to the heart of the Spaniard, who won there three times during his time on the DP World Tour.

This trip to Andalusia was different because Valderrama has decided to join Garcia in the move from the DP World Tour to the LIV Golf Circuit in 2023. The venue proved ideal for Garcia to bounce back from his near-failure against West Lancashire a week later and he made the most of his home advantage, as an agonising one-foot putt from Anirban Lahiri saw him card an under-par 66 at his old club in the final round to ensure he was in a play-off against the Indian. His experience with Valderrama then came into play again, as he beat Lahiri in a playoff to win the individual award and also won the tag team titles with Fireballs. Recalling his double with Valderrama, he told LIV UK’s Mirror Sports this week: “After several chances, to get the first win against LIV and then the win against Spain in the play-off and considering how it all happened it was really special and a very proud moment.” It would have been a long-awaited win for the Spaniard, who had already expressed his disappointment at missing the trip to Troon.