Spain's World Cup win lifts Sergio Garcia

Published on Tuesday 13 July 2010 18:51

STRUGGLING Spaniard Sergio Garcia hopes the combination of his country's World Cup win and the supportive Open crowds can help resurrect his career.

The former world No 2 has dropped alarmingly in the rankings to 44, and with seemingly no end in sight to his slump, Spain's 1-0 victory over Netherlands on Sunday could not have come at a better time.

"It definitely gives you a great feeling to see your country do well. It helps your mood," he said yesterday, standing proudly in his Spain football top after thrilling spectators with some crisp hitting on the practice range. "For the country it's just been amazing, probably the biggest thing ever. Everybody's gone ballistic on it. The whole country is upside down. It's great to see," he added.

Garcia was quick to admit he does not feel on top of the world personally, but he hopes the aura of the Open at the iconic Old Course could help him add golf to the long line of recent Spanish sporting success.

"I'm not going through my best time but I wouldn't miss this championship for the world. I'm here to do well."