Sergio Doesn't Like His Masters Chances

It's been nearly ten years since Sergio Garcia hit that shot at the PGA Championship, the one that was supposed to define his career -- like Jack's 1-iron on the 17th at Pebble in '72, or Tom Watson's chip-in for birdie on that same hole a decade later. Instead it serves as a reminder of opportunity lost, at least when the conversation turns to the majors.

In 1999, Garcia was a novelty, a charismatic 19-year-old Spaniard whose game reminded us of Seve, but better, more polished. He was the first "next player to challenge Tiger Woods."

Then reality intervened.

Garcia didn't win his first PGA Tour event until the 2001 Colonial, and although he had six victories in the States by '05 (and nine more on the European Tour), he was still in search of his first major. And on the eve of the Masters, that remains the case.

Sergio's been close -- he finished second to Woods at Medinah in '99, T-4th at the '04 Masters, T-3 at the '05 U.S. Open, another T-2 at last year's PGA, and, of course, the slow-motion train wreck at Carnoustie in 2007. He started strong last season, winning the Players Championship, but his major-less streak continued. Now, he's 0-for-38, and 0-for-39 sounds four days off -- to hear him tell it, anyway.

"It would be nice [to snap the winless drought], but I'm not expecting it this week," Garcia said on his way to the Augusta National clubhouse after finishing a practice round with Greg Norman. "My putting doesn't feel great, and probably my head is not beautiful at the moment. But you know, we're trying to figure it out and see what I can do."

Asked what was wrong with his psyche, the Spaniard said he's dealing with some personal issues. "There are some things that have happened to me in the last four or five weeks that hasn't helped much," he said, declining to be more specific.

So much for that TaylorMade promotion.

Seriously, I hope Garcia bounces back quickly from whatever is troubling him. I've given him the business in the past, but I also think he's integral to golf's long-term success. At 29, he's still young, extremely marketable and immensely talented. (Phil Mickelson didn't win his first major till he was 33.)

The next crop of potential Tiger usurpers have assumed the position, but if we've learned anything in the Woods' era it's this: fresh-faced 20-somethings a few years removed from junior golf aren't a threat to him; it's the experienced player who isn't easily rattled. Garcia qualifies on both counts, but it's a process (the '06 and '07 British are prime examples).

And even though it sounds like Sergio doesn't stand a chance this week, there are worse fates than being referred to as the best player to never win the big one. Plus, that label is temporary; Garcia's winning multiple majors before he's done. And if he doesn't, well, there's always the TPC.