25 Questions With Sergio Garcia

By Rich Lerner
Illustration by John Ueland May 2009

When I first encountered Sergio Garcia in 1998 at the U.S. Amateur at Oak Hill, I'd never seen a player so polished at such a young age, from the way he walked to the way he dressed to the way he played. A year later, at 19, he scissors-kicked his way into the hearts of golf fans at the PGA, racing after that incredible, eyes-closed shot from behind a tree at Medinah like a kid looking to see if he had made a hole-in-one through the tunnel in miniature golf. He didn't beat Tiger that day, but he seemed to arrive as a rival in major championships. Garcia's career instead has tracked more like Phil Mickelson's, with zero major victories in 38 tries as a pro (Mickelson won in his 43rd), yet filled with more intrigue and scrutiny than anyone but Tiger. A year ago, in his 10th PGA Tour season, Garcia won on what many consider golf's fifth-biggest stage, the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Ranked No. 2 in the world at the start of '09, Garcia is sounding more confident than ever.

We didn't see you a whole lot between the Ryder Cup in September and the Match Play in March. Where were you for six months?
Just chillin' in Spain. Played a little in Europe and spent some time with family and friends.

You also have a place in Switzerland, don't you?
It's near Crans-sur-Sierre, where they play the European Masters. It's really nice, very cozy, very relaxed and people don't bother you. It's up in the mountains. We went there for Christmas and again after playing in Dubai.

Do you ski?
I do a little cross-country, but where I grew up in Spain it doesn't really snow, so I never skied, even though it seems like fun. I never liked the idea of getting hurt.

You're still dating Greg Norman's daughter, Morgan-Leigh, aren't you?
I am, and she's really great. She makes me feel at ease.

Have you spent much time with Greg?
I've been to their place in Florida a couple times and even played tennis with Chris [Evert, Norman's wife]. It's given me a chance to know Greg better. We have a great relationship.

He has been where you are, trying to win majors. Has he offered you any advice?
He pays attention to my career, and if I ask him, he tries to help as much as possible. At the same time, you still have to find your own way. What might work for one guy might not work for the next.

I've seen you on the tennis court, and you're really good. How much have you played with your Spanish buddy and world No. 1, Rafael Nadal?
He's got no chance against me! Actually, we have played a couple times, and it's a different level, believe me. He's so strong physically.

Can you return his serve?
When he tells me which side he's going to serve it I can get a handle on his speed after maybe five balls, and I'm able to return it. But when you don't know where it's going, it's a different game.

You love soccer, too.
I do, and I'm actually involved with my hometown team in Borriol, Spain. It's just a small village with about 3,500 people.

What's your role?
I'm the president. My brother and I and some friends take care of the team, try to get some sponsorships. It's a lot of fun and a good way to get my head out of golf when I'm not playing. Sometimes I even practice with them.

You performed very well as a Bond-like character in those Michelob commercials. Ever thought about acting more?
The directors said I did fairly well on the acting side, and it's interesting because you do get into it when you're asked to do things you don't normally do. But I haven't thought much about acting again. My game hasn't gone that far south!

How are you different at 29 than you were at 19?
I'm more mature and have more experience. You try to do what you think is right, but sometimes it doesn't come out the way you hope. You learn from that and maybe become a better person.

Is that what happened at Carnoustie, where you were criticized for some of the things you said at your news conference after you lost the 2007 British Open in a playoff?
I was disappointed. Even though I played well, it seemed like things didn't go my way. That's what I was trying to express.