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Garcia’s ‘relief’ at breakthrough Major season

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Hong Kong: Spain’s Sergio Garcia described his victory at this year’s Masters as a “relief” that proves he is capable of winning on the big stage after almost two decades of near-misses.


It’s been a landmark season for the 37-year-old, who claimed his first major at Augusta in April in a record 74th attempt.


Prior to the victory, Garcia had finished in the top 10 spots at a major some 22 times – including four runner-up slots — earning him the unwanted reputation as the finest golfer never to lift a major title. “Winning the Masters was amazing, and it gives you a little bit of a relief,” Garcia said on Friday at a launch event for the UBS Hong Kong Open in November.


“I guess that when you put yourself in that situation, now you know that you’ve done it under big pressure and at a huge stage, that’s always positive.”


He cited his relationship with golf reporter Angela Akins, whom he recently married, as a factor in his long-awaited victory.


The Spaniard has had a string of failed high profile relationships, including with former tennis player Martina Hingis.


In 2009, he suffered a loss of form following his split with Morgan-Leigh Norman, the daughter of golfing great Greg Norman. “When outside the golf course your life is in check and in good shape it obviously helps because your mind is at peace, you’re comfortable and you’re happy and all those things always help for sure,” Garcia said.


He had previously told reporters after a frustrating Masters round in 2012 that he would never win a major because he “lacked the thing I need to have”. — AFP


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