Sergio Garcia will take a three break from golf declaring he needs a rest ahead of The Open after the controversy in recent weeks.
Despite his politically incorrect ‘fried chicken’ comments last month, Garcia returned to the European Tour to post a third round seven under par 65 and move to 12-under par, and just a handful of shots from the lead in the BMW International Open in Munich.
It was Garcia’s lowest round in some seven months since a first and third day 64s in last year’s Race to Dubai final in Dubai.
But the strain of the controversy has taken a toll mentally on the Spaniard despite his unreserved apology and chat with Tiger Woods at last week’s US Open.
“I’m looking forward to a good last round here in Munich, as I then need a break from competition,” said Garcia.
“I just feel like I need it. It’s been an interesting three or four weeks, so hopefully I can come back fresh for The Open.
When Garcia returns to competition on July 18th for The Open he will be among just a handful with experience of Muirfield having captured the 1998 British Amateur on the course and a year before turning pro.
Sergio Garcia tries to calm the mechanical cow. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
He then teed-up in the 2002 Open finishing a creditable eighth behind Ernie Els.
“It’s going to be very special for me going back to Muirfield and it holds so many good memories for me,” he added.
“Muirfield and Carnoustie are two of my favourite golf courses we playing in the rotation for The Open.
“Hopefully, we just don’t just get the conditions we had on the Saturday there back in 2002.”
However Garcia will start his break flying direct from Munich to Shanghai tomorrow night (SUN) where this week he is opening a golf course he designed.
On Friday night, Garcia joined Els and England’s Paul Casey in donning traditional Bavarian Lederhosen’s and teaming for a mechanical cow milking contest.
The trio, along with BMWs Marco Kaussler, went up against four of the wives and girlfriends of the players, including ‘Gadget Show’ hostess and Casey’s new girlfriend, Pollyanna Woodward.
European Tour Chief Referee, John Paramour, who slapped 14-year old Chinese amateur Tialing Chun with a one-stroke ‘go-slow’ penalty at the Masters, officiated in the ‘milk off’.
However it was the men managing to squeeze more milk out of the cow than the women and with Garcia remarking: “It’s the first I’ve ever milked a cow and I was just so pleased it wasn’t a real one (smiling).”
