Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, has openly expressed a lack of confidence in his ability to contend for a second Green Jacket at the 2026 Masters tournament, following a challenging start to the season on the LIV Golf circuit.
Garcia's Struggles on LIV Golf
The Spanish golfer has recorded just one top-10 finish in five starts on LIV Golf this year, a significant dip in performance compared to his previous two seasons, where he finished in the top 10 of the breakaway league's order of merit. This poor form has left Garcia feeling dejected, as he admitted to reporters at Augusta National on Monday.
Low Odds and Diminished Expectations
Garcia's lack of self-belief is reflected in the betting odds, with some bookmakers offering as high as 225/1 for him to win the Masters this week. When asked about his chances, Garcia stated, "Not super happy at the moment, but we're working, and we'll see. We'll see what happens throughout the week. Yeah, at the moment I'm not feeling amazing." He acknowledged both good and bad memories at Augusta, hoping to draw on past successes, such as his 2017 playoff victory over Justin Rose, to boost his confidence.
Contrast with Fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal
In contrast, fellow Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal, a two-time Masters champion from 1994 and 1999, is facing different challenges at age 60. Olazabal admitted that the Augusta National course has outgrown him due to his aging and waning powers, noting difficulties with long holes like No. 5 and No. 11. He said, "I'm getting used to the golf course playing extremely long for me... My goal is just to put a couple of decent scores the first two days and try to enjoy it as much as I can."
Rory McIlroy's Preparation
Meanwhile, reigning champion Rory McIlroy is not sharing these struggles. The Northern Irishman, known for his powerful hitting, shook off rust after a three-week break by playing a practice round with his father, Gerry, on Sunday, indicating a more optimistic outlook for the tournament.
Garcia's candid admission highlights the mental and physical toll of competitive golf, as he grapples with form issues that have led him to write himself off as a contender for the 2026 Masters, despite his past triumphs and ongoing efforts to improve.
