Sergio Garcia delivered an impressive performance at LIV Golf Hong Kong, clinching both the individual and team titles with a stunning 7-under 63 on Sunday. This remarkable victory marked a significant achievement for Garcia, who finished the tournament at an overall score of 18-under 192, showcasing his exceptional skills on the course.
Garcia’s Dominant Final Round
Entering the final round in a three-way tie, Garcia wasted no time establishing his dominance. He started strong with an eagle on the 551-yard No. 3, followed by four consecutive birdies from Nos. 8 to 11. He capped off his outstanding round with another birdie on No. 16, outpacing his closest competitors. Paul Casey shot a 69 to finish in fifth at 12 under, while Peter Uihlein’s 70 placed him in a tie for sixth, seven strokes behind Garcia.
Meanwhile, South African golfer Dean Burmester wowed spectators with the day’s best round of 62, propelling him to second place at 15 under. Phil Mickelson also achieved a noteworthy feat, securing third place with a strong 64, four shots back from the winner—marking his first podium appearance as a member of LIV Golf.
Team Victory for the Fireballs
Garcia, also focused on the team competition, maintained a comfortable lead as he approached the 18th green. Facing what he described as an “easy 55-footer down the hill,” he finished with a par that sealed the team win for the Fireballs with a score of 37 under. This victory represented the sixth LIV Golf team title for the Fireballs, adding to their triumph from the previous week in Adelaide, Australia.
Garcia expressed his pride in both his individual performance and that of his teammates, which include David Puig and Luis Masaveu from Spain, as well as Mexican golfer Abraham Ancer, who previously took home the individual championship in Adelaide. “It was rewarding to lead the tournament, but to have my teammates supporting me was just as important. Pulling off the double makes the win even sweeter,” he remarked.
Garcia’s Role as a Mentor
At 45, Garcia has embraced the role of elder statesman in Spanish golf, following the mentorship he received from legends Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal. He takes pride in guiding younger players: “It’s fulfilling to offer advice and support, helping them become the best versions of themselves,” he said, reflecting on the camaraderie within his team.
For his part, Phil Mickelson, 54, voiced his optimism as he approaches next month’s Masters, highlighting that he feels in good form and solid about his game. “I’m hitting a lot of good shots and playing well. This is a crucial week for me as I prepare both for LIV and my goal of winning another major at Augusta,” he stated confidently.
LIV Golf is set to continue its season next weekend at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, promising further excitement for fans and competitors alike.
