Masters champion Sergio Garcia held the most unusual press conference of his career on Tuesday as his wife Angela prepared to give birth to the couple’s first child in an Austin, Texas hospital.
Garcia kept a promise of hosting the conference at the beside of his wife, Angela and with the couple knowing their first child will be girl.
But in speaking with Garcia at last week’s Valspar Championship he indicated their baby girl was not due to next Sunday but then new babies usually never stick to a birth schedule.
“It’s been an eventful morning,” said Garcia.
“About an hour and a half ago Angela’s waters broke so we’re at the hospital right now, kind of checking in.
Sergio Garcia named AGW Golfer of the Year in capturing the 2017 Masters.
“It was supposed to be on Sunday but it looks like she is coming a little early. Everything looks good so we can’t wait.”
Garcia claimed his first major title at the 74th attempt at Augusta National last year, beating Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose on the first play-off hole.
Three months later he married former Golf Channel reporter Angela Akins, whom he has credited with his recent success.
“Everybody that is around me is helping me, making me not only a better golfer but a better person,” Garcia said after his Masters triumph.
“It’s not easy, because I know how much of a hard-headed man I can be sometimes, but it’s been great.”
Now with some three weeks to his defence of the Masters Garcia also spoke of his excitement in returning to Augusta National.
Obviously it’s been unbelievable, everything that has been going on. I mean, I’ve always said it, you know, I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing career and an amazing life, and now it’s getting even better with winning Augusta, with getting married to my best friend and amazing woman like Angela is and now having our first child.
“The last 12 months has been a lot of fun,” said Garcia.
“We’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and we can’t wait for what the future is going to bring us. I’ve realized after winning the Masters, I realize how much bigger it is than I thought it was. Even though I thought it was massive, I realize how much bigger it is all over the world and how much people really look up to the Masters and the green jacket and everything.
“So, it’s been an amazing experience. It’s been awesome. It’s been a tremendous honor, and it’s probably, like I said, bigger than maybe I thought or expected. It’s been a fun ride.”
Garcia will remain in Austin missing this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational and teeing-up next week in Austin in the $10m WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship.
