Golf Betting
Sergio Garcia’s return to relevance was nearly completed with a victory, but the one-time phenom was stymied by fellow Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal at the BMW International Open in Munich.
Larrazabal’s par at the fifth playoff hole earned him a second European Tour victory — at the expense of a man Larrazabal called “one of my heroes.” Garcia earned a playoff berth on 16-under par with a final-hole birdie, then three-putted the same green in sudden death to hand Larrazabal the title.
The only player to post four rounds in the 60s, Larrazabal claimed a prize of €333,330. The 28-year-old had not won since the 2008 Open de France Alstom.
Garcia, all but forgotten in the midst of a golf and personal funk one year ago, continued his fine recent form. After taking seventh in the U.S. Open, Garcia positioned himself to win in Munich with a third-round 64. His final 18 offered more fireworks as Garcia ran off four birdies and two eagles. However, four bogies over a five-hole stretch left him at 68 for the day and tied with Larrazabal.
Victory or not, Garcia claimed a coveted spot in the Open Championship (July 14-17, Royal St. George’s) and climbed to 51st in the world rankings – a far cry from the No. 2 spot he held in 2009, but well above than the depths he sunk to in 2010.
A five-way tie for third at the BMW included England’s Mark Foster and Scott Jamieson of Scotland. Local favorite Martin Kaymer tied 18th and slipped to fourth in the world ranking; his No. 3 spot was taken by Rory McIlroy, still riding high from his U.S. Open triumph.
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