Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez comes into the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts eyeing a strong finish to match the form he has been rounding into.
Although his tied-51stplace showing last week may not be indicative of a player poised for a mid-season run, the Spaniard has quietly been making strides, and his tenacity — exemplified by a nine-stroke improvement between his third and fourth rounds last week — could be the spark he is looking for.
“I’ve been working on my short-game to get ready for Scotland,” said the 29 year old. “I know that’s going to be the key at Spey Valley.”
While chipping and putting will certainly be crucial at the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, the Madrid native has adopted an impressive perspective towards his schedule on the European Challenge Tour.
“My goals for the year are to enjoy everything I can about the season — from each stroke, to each course to each trip,” he said.
“I’ve improved my long game, but what I’m learning is that I’m actually able to be very patient, so knowing that and relying on that is leading me to being a lot calmer when I play, which then allows me to enjoy my golf.”
Under the watchful eye of his long-time coach José Rivero, who twice represented Europe on winning Ryder Cup sides in 1985 and 1987, Garcia Rodriguez feels he is gaining the confidence that is needed to make a breakthrough.
“I’ve been with Rivero for eight years now. It’s great to learn from someone who has won on the European Tour. He has taught me so many things about both life and golf,” he said.
Garcia Rodriguez has also learned first-hand how even the smallest improvements can lean to success on a big stage.
“One of my good friends is Nacho Elvira," he said. "I’ve played lots of golf with him and to see what he has done inspires. It’s shown me how hard you have to work, but it’s also shown me that I have the game to be able to succeed.”
Garcia Rodriguez will tee it up Thursday in the €250,000 SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts as a full field of 156 emerging professionals compete for the tournament title and valuable Road To Ras Al Khaimah Ranking points.
