Sergio Garcia’s heartbreaking missed 3-foot putt cost him a chance to qualify for The Open Championship after he finished fourth in the final round of the International Series Macau in China. With the goal of finishing in the top three to secure a spot at The Open, Garcia shot a strong 65 but fell short when he misfired on the final hole at the Macau Golf and Country Club.
Instead of advancing, Garcia watched fellow LIV golfers Carlos Ortiz, Patrick Reed, and Jason Kokrak secure the qualification spots for the prestigious championship taking place at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, from July 17 to July 20. Interestingly, had Garcia successfully made that putt, he would have tied with Kokrak and progressed based on a tiebreaker.
At 45 years old, Garcia has yet to win The Open, though he has displayed commendable performances as a runner-up on two occasions, in 2007 and 2014. Throughout his career, he has participated in The Open 25 times, making the cut in 20 instances and achieving ten top-10 finishes, showcasing his consistent presence in this major.
Looking forward, Garcia still has opportunities to qualify for The Open as the season progresses. His participation in LIV Golf could play a significant role, as the individual points leader on the LIV circuit after the LIV Dallas event in June will qualify. Currently, Garcia ranks third on the points list, while the two players ahead of him, Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann, have already secured their spots.
This situation highlights the ups and downs of competitive golf, reminding both players and fans that while setbacks can be disheartening, there are always more chances ahead to achieve greatness in the sport. The resilience and determination Garcia is known for could lead him to another opportunity to chase his elusive Open title in the future.
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