Yahoo News Ryder Cup 2021: Sergio Garcia insists his record points hall for Europe means nothing going onto the first tee
Sergio Garcia might boast the greatest Ryder Cup points haul of all time but believes his tally of 25.5 means nothing going onto the first tee at Whistling Straits on Friday.
Garcia was one of European captain Padraig Harrington’s three wildcard picks for what is a 10th Ryder Cup appearance dating back to 1999.
But the 41-year-old said of his record: “I don’t think it means anything once you step up here. I wasn’t aware until the Sunday three years ago as it’s never been a goal of mine.
“I’m very proud of it but, once you step on the first tee, it’s not about you, it’s about the team. And I’d rather go out 0 and 5 and win the Ryder Cup.
“It’s important that Europe plays well and we give ourselves the best chance to win the cup. That’s the goal. You put yourself aside for this week and enjoy it with the rest of your teammates.”
Garcia has missed just one Ryder Cup since his debut – the 2010 event where he acted as a vice-captain to Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor.
And the Spaniard has had a propensity to find his very best form in the team environment immaterial of whether he is playing well or not coming into it.
“I’ve had Ryder Cups where I’ve come in not feeling quite as well and I seem to hit a switch when I get here,” he said.
Explaining the reason for that success is somewhat harder. “The excitement I get… it’s something that I can’t describe it,” he said. “It just happens. It comes down to challenging yourself every match.
“It’s fun to me, the energy that you feel around the course, not only with the crowds but your teammates. It’s something very unique and it seems to drive me to a higher level.”
Harrington was asked whether he might be tempted to pair him with countryman Jon Rahm in a bid to recreate the most successful pairing in Ryder Cup history in Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal.
“Wouldn’t I love that?” joked Harrington of emulating their countrymen. “It’s hard to believe you could have the same energy as Seve and Jose. They’re iconic in Europe. I wouldn’t ask anyone to live up to that but, it if came close, that’d be nice.
“And nobody relishes being in this team more than Sergio. What he does behind the scenes is really special.”
Garcia is likely to be coupled with Rory McIlroy again during the course of competition, with McIlroy relishing Europe’s underdogs tag.
“On paper, you would look at the world rankings and everything and we’re coming in here as underdogs with a lot of things stacked against us so that would make it even more of an achievement,” he said.
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