In-form Sergio Garcia is hoping to produce some more fireworks at Firestone Country Club this week, after finishing runner up to Rory McIlroy in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational 12 months ago.
The Spaniard lit up his title challenge last year with a stunning course record-equalling second round of 61, which ignited with seven birdies in a row as he covered the back nine in just 27 shots.
He led by three shots heading into the final round, but was pipped by McIlroy’s closing round of 66, with the World Number One’s victory sandwiched in between Major wins at The Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Despite that, the week and that second round in particularly, still provide fond memories for Garcia, and he is hoping to go one better this time round.
“That was a really good round,” said the Ryder Cup player. “I had seven birdies in a row on the back nine and it was one of those rounds you just enjoy. It doesn’t happen that often, so it was nice to be able to do something like that.
“You always have high hopes no matter where you go, but I played nicely here last year and I was very close to winning. It would be nice to do well again. The course is playing much different. It’s quite firm, which is nice actually. It is nice to play it like that and if the weather is good, it will be very challenging. I’m excited about it though.”
Garcia returns to Akron encouraged by his recent performances, following back-to-back top six finishes in The Open Championship and the Omega European Masters.
The World Number Ten is hoping he can maintain that form going into two important weeks in America, with the US PGA Championship to follow at Whistling Straits
“I had two good solid weeks at The Open and in Crans,” he said. “It was a really busy week in Crans after The Open and with sponsor stuff, so I felt quite flat at the start of the week but got better as it went on.
“My form has been good recently and I’m hoping to keep on that trend and have another good couple of weeks here in America.”
