Sergio Garcia shines in Dubai as he eyes Ryder Cup spot
The Spaniard shot a 6-under par opening round at the Dubai Desert Classic and sits two behind leader Richard Sterne.
Sergio Garcia got off to a flying start at the Dubai Desert Classic, firing a 6-under par opening round as he looks to cement a place in Padraig Harrington's Ryder Cup team in September.
A bogey-free round of 66 leaves Garcia just two shots behind leader Richard Sterne heading into Friday's second round and the Spaniard put on a sensational iron display throughout the opening round.
WATCH GARCIA STICK AN 8-IRON SHOT CLOSE IN THE VIDEO BELOW:
This Sergio 8-iron
He shares the early lead in Dubai.#ODDC pic.twitter.com/UCNACzDtgH— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 28, 2021
"I felt comfortable out there for sure," said Garcia, who turned 41 earlier this month. "Conditions obviously were good, but they were tricky. The greens are a little patchy when it comes down to firmness. Some spots are really firm and some spots you can definitely spin it. So it's just a matter of getting the right hops there.
"But other than that, I felt like it was a good, solid day, and I'm very happy with the way it went. It's a big year, and hopefully I can be in good shape because I want to be a part of a lot of things this year."
Another player looking to make it to Whistling Straits is tour veteran Paul Casey who marked his return to the Dubai Desert Classic after a seven year absence with a 5-under par round of 67.
"Still a great day," said Casey. "This is a difficult golf course. The last time I played here was seven years ago and it was difficult then. It's grown some teeth in the last few years, with some new tees. Yeah, very happy with that start."
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American Kurt Kitayama holds second place on his own, just one behind South African Sterne, while Justin Harding shares third place with Garcia.
Tommy Fleetwood shot a 4-under par opening round to sit in a tie for 9th, while fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton - who won last week's European Tour event - struggled with a 4-over par round and has his work cut out if he is to make the cut into the weekend.
