Age, it's been said, is a high price to pay for maturity. And these days, even when one does pay... with a milestone birthday or two... there's still no guarantee maturity will actually show up.Sergio Garcia, who turns 30 today, has probably been called "immature" more than any other golfer in history. Often, the description has been warranted... by relentless whining or excessive sulkiness ... but at other times it's been used because Sergio Garcia was... being Sergio Garcia, the expressive Spaniard. And in an era shaped by the uber-controlled, almost robotic demeanor of Tiger Woods, just about any display of emotion was perceived as immature.
"Sergio Garcia has been inextricably linked with Tiger Woods his entire adult golf life." ~ USAToday sports columnist, Christine Brennan began a story with that sentence a couple of years ago referring, as so many have over the past decade, to the exuberant young Sergio who challenged Tiger at the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah, and reminding us of other occasions where the two were paired together, exposing the contrast between the two personalities. ~ Whether it was the US Open at Bethpage in 2002, or the British Open in Liverpool in 2006, the conclusion was the same: the concise, business-like Tiger was far more stable and successful and mature than the emotional, flamboyantly dressed, somewhat childish Spaniard.
Right now, as we start a new decade and Sergio celebrates 30, that conclusion is not nearly so obvious. ~ I met Sergio Garcia last June at the Travelers Championship. I just walked up to him, expecting to encounter a petulant and self-absorbed brat. Instead I found a warm, gracious, friendly The Tiger Woods scandal has shattered many of our old perceptions about the world's number one golfer. I think it may also be transforming some perceptions about the one many call the best golfer never to have won a major. It's clearly caused some to question the wisdom of a secretive, highly-controlled public persona vs a more transparent, "I-am-what-I-am" style.
Personally, I hope 2010 is the year of Sergio Garcia. I hope he'll be able to put the heartbreak behind him and heal the injured hand and win a major... or two.
I would love Sergio to have a true break out season, including his first major and a few other tourney victories.
ReplyDeleteHe has seven tour wins, not bad by today's standards, but I know everyone expected many more by now.
And, Patricia, who wouldn't be "...warm, gracious and friendly" to the Golf Girl?
I agree with V. It would be great fun to see Mr. Garcia have a banner season.
ReplyDeleteBTW I'm truly shocked that you wrote about Sergio today.❤
I've been pulling for Sergio for some time now. Some guys just don't "bloom" as quickly as we expect, and when you start expecting it from yourself, sometimes it just makes it take longer.
ReplyDeleteBesides, most golfers don't really hit their stride until 30. Sergio could really shock some people if he goes on a tear!
I don't see it happening for Sergio. Not this year, not ever. I don't think he wants it enough. It's too bad because he definitely had/has the potential. But... Tiger's situation makes you wonder... some things are bigger than golf.
ReplyDeleteOK Patricia, you take Sergio I'll take Alvaro. ;o) Seriously I hope the Spanish guys start playing well again. Definitely want to see them on the Ryder Cup team.
ReplyDeleteA very nice tribute to a golfer who has often been criticized, even by me. I agree he seems to have matured and I hope he can now be what everyone has always wanted him to be.
ReplyDeleteI've always been in the group that says "how am I any different at 30 years and no days than I was at 29 years 364 days ?" Sergio is going to mark his milestones when he can look back and see consistency in his play and a few wins more than he is the number of candles on the cake. The downside to looking at "30" as a milestone is that he won't have the cougar at the pool chasing him anymore since he's now too old.
ReplyDeleteCome on - quoting Christine Brennan ? Being able to use the word "inextricably", more or less correctly does not a golf writer make.
Looking forward to the tourneys. Hope he does well...
ReplyDeletehey vince
ReplyDeletei read your profile - very cool - buffalo springfield - great band, maybe the best ever - i still listen to bluebird and mr. soul in total awe - i can't believe both tunes recorded on same album by guys in their early 20's. i am more of an fan of early stephen stills but neil young cannot be denied!
cheers in 2010!!!
to courtgolf:
ReplyDeletei have been away from this blog for some time but i see that you are still maintaining your consistancy as a total ..........
douchbag.