It was 19 years ago when Sergio Garcia made his first appearance at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
That very year a Spaniard donned the green jacket after winning the Masters.
And before that came Seve Ballesteros. Ballesteros, who would’ve turned 60 on Sunday, died six years ago of brain cancer. The two-time Masters winner was the first player from Spain to win at Augusta.
He was very much present on the course Sunday.
Credit: BRANT SANDERLIN / SPECIAL
Credit: BRANT SANDERLIN / SPECIAL
“Seve did come into my mind today,” Garcia said after winning his first major in a playoff with England’s Justin Rose. “I’m sure he helped a little bit with some of those shots and some of those putts.”
Garcia also made note to mention to Jose Maria Olazabal, the last Spaniard to win the Masters.
“To do it on Seve’s 60th birthday and to join him and Olazabal, my two idols in golf my whole life, it’s something amazing.
“Jose sent me a text on Wednesday night telling me how much he believed in me and what I needed to do. And just pretty much believe in myself and being calm and not letting things get to me that I’ve done in the past. And he said I’m not sharing my champions’ locker with anyone but you.”
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