Capelle On Golf

Remaining in the hunt until late on Sunday at the majors is so difficult that only a handful of players usually finish within two or three shots of the winner. Ah, but for those who do, the reward is an experience to be remembered forever. To be in the arena – On Sunday – In a major – With a legitimate chance to win. Top pros live for these moments, win or lose.

In the March 2007 issue of Golf Digest Sergio Garcia said, “We all want to win, but only one guy can. Still, the thrill of competing, of being in the hunt, is what we’re about.” So even though Garcia’s first major eluded him at the PGA, the bitter pill of defeat he swallowed was not nearly as bad as the indignity of settling back into the pack.

Garcia is still lusting for a major, but he may find some comfort from knowing that others have had to pay a similar price before winning their first major. Phil Mickelson finished second three times and third an additional five before he won his first at age 33. Sergio’s only 28 and to date he’s paid a smaller price that Mickelson with three fewer thirds and three less top 10s.

Before Winning a Major
Garcia—-Mickelson
3————3 seconds
2————5 thirds
14———-17 top 10s

While Garcia wishes he’d already shed the Best Player to Never Win a Major label, his play in 2008 indicates that he certainly should within the next year or two. And when he does, those close calls will look a whole lot better on his resume. Sure, they will remind him of the pain that learning by losing inflicts, but his defeats will also remind him that he was in the arena late Sunday afternoon with Tiger Woods and two times with Padraig Harrington, one of the elite player’s of the Woods Era.

Sergio’s Seconds
1999 PGA 1 back to Tiger Woods (2nd)
2007 BP lost playoff to Padraig Harrington (2nd)
2008 PGA 2 back of Padraig Harrington (2t)