Celebrity Interview - Sergio Garcia

Former boy star with a mature outlook on success

Sergio Garcia Former boy star with a mature outlook on success

Words by Amparo Dd La Gama 05/12/2007

His face still shows the innocent features of the early days when he hit his first golf shots although, fortunately for him, he has now made an international name for himself and most fans know him as Sergio Garcia – leaving behind the nickname “El Niño” commonly used by Americans on the US Tour. The truth is, Sergio is a “boy” no more and has become one of the most recognised players on the top golf tours.

Ranked among the top 10 players in the world, his life has made spectacular inroads over the past eight years and today he’s owns a private jet, a house in Lake Nona (Florida), another in Crans Montana (Switzerland) and a third one in Borriol, his birthplace. Originally from Castellón, he has been able to do what all sons would love to do for their family and community: help his siblings and also set up his own charity organisation to help the less fortunate. And all this achieved through golf, which – it has to be said – has not always been kind to him.

Do you feel that responsibility is more of an incentive than a weight?
I only put pressure on my game myself: it never comes from outside. I’m not worried about what others think. I’m aware of how my game should be and what my ambitions are, and I know how to achieve them.

Everybody applauds when you are out on the course but are you actually aware of what is the best thing about you as a player?
I think my best asset is my long drive – one of the longest on the tour – and my iron play. I have to spend more time and effort on the short game; it’s not that it’s poor but it’s certainly not on the same level as the other two aspects.

You have also seen the dark side of success; that is, failure or what some may call “not fulfilling expectations”…
Yes, of course. I know people expect good results from me and mainly victories. I’m the first one who wants me to win and that’s exactly what I aim for each time I start a tournament.

Pressure?
There’s always pressure but I feel very much at ease with my game and sure that the results will come.

Your game cannot be understood without understanding the crucial role of your father Victor. He encouraged your passion for golf; he is your confidante, your mentor, nearly your “shadow”…
True. Perhaps sometimes he worries too much although he does realise he has to remain on the sidelines a bit more. But I don’t forget that, apart from being the person who has shown me everything I know about golf, he’s also my father.

How do you spend those long stays in US where you have considerable popularity?
In my season’s planning, I divide my time between the US and European Tours, which seems to work out best for my game. Of course, I also try to compete in tournaments held in Spain.

All this constant travelling means you have to divide your breaks between three different homes…
The truth is I live all around the world. I hardly use the house in the States: it’s more of an investment than anything − I spend about three weeks a year there. I spend more time with my family in Castellón, but not that much either; but I do try to go to Switzerland more − I love the house and spend two months a year there.

But you never forget the fact you are an icon of the sport in Spain − which is growing in popularity every day…
I do see myself as something of an icon, or reference point, although there’s an excellent generation of players. That’s something for anyone to feel proud about, but it also provides you with a greater sense of responsibility. You know there are a lot of people keeping an eye on you, what you are doing, however small a thing it may be. But that’s something you learn to live with.

It’s quite common to see you in Marbella at charity events, supporting the charity foundation which carries your name and which encourages the involvement in sport of children with problems of all kinds.
I feel privileged. Life has given me so much I feel obliged to give something back, and what better way than concentrating my efforts on those less fortunate. Through the charity, we find different ways to achieve this.

Clinics for the disabled are one of the foundation’s main activities…
We love doing it. It’s wonderful, it’s fulfilling and it comes from within. We have the chance to help others who need it, and seeing the happiness on their faces is something you can’t buy.

Is this your way of forgetting about the stress of competing for a couple of hours?
Physical potential is important on tour although, to win tournaments, what you really need is adequate psychological training. It’s absolutely fundamental to be able to bear four stressful days competing.

Concentration is fundamental, probably more so than in other sport?
You have to be completely focused and, as soon as you have an ounce of doubt, it’s hard to find a good swing and you don’t perform with the same flow. The spectators’ support is crucial at the same time.

Can you feel pressure from the fans who want you to succeed immediately?
I feel people want me to win quickly, but I feel the same way. If I didn’t feel this way I would quit golf and do something else. You have to have patience, practise to the maximum and try to secure as many winning options as possible. Some players are luckier and make the most with one or two options during their career, while some of us are near the top and never seem to succeed.

Once again you have been the world’s best from tee to the green, but as soon as you get hold of the putter things become complicated. What’s your magic formula?
I really don’t think I’m a bad putter. I’ve been practising a lot and gradually getting better and I’ve seen a difference compared to three years ago. I’ve changed some things for comfort and confidence, and it’s shown.

It’s seems like you still have to go abroad in order to succeed…
If you want to help your sport and your country to the best of your ability you have to go abroad. Staying in Spain helps a bit, but the best thing is to achieve recognition in the US, Japan, China… Pau Gasol and I spend a lot of time in the States, while Rafa Nadal and Fernando Alonso travel all around the world. It’s something I enjoy and, of course, if I can promote Spain’s name by travelling, I always will.

How do you plan a schedule with so much travelling?
I try to play 18 to 19 tournaments in the US and 11 or 12 in Europe, plus three or four out of season. By the end of the season I have played in about 26 or 27 tournaments, which I’m used to and I’m happy with.

How do you feel about spending so much time away from home?
I always try to be surrounded by my people. My family come along with me whenever they can and I have a very good relationship with my manager and my caddies. I like it that there is always someone with me.

The García family seem to be very much involved in helping Spanish golf…
We try, at least. My father plays at senior tournaments and has collaborated in resurrecting the Spanish Open and organising the Four Tours event. My mother holds the presidency of the charity foundation, my brother runs Golf Club Societies of Castellón… we try to do our best for Spanish golf.