Aged just 19 and playing only his second major as a professional, Garcia finished second to Tiger Woods at Medinah, producing an unforgettable shot from the base of a tree on the 16th hole of the final round.

That remains his best finish in a major championship to date, although the Spaniard recently finished joint third in the US Open at Pinehurst behind Michael Campbell and Woods.

Garcia also helped Spain win the Dunhill Cup over the Old Course in 1999 and, at sixth in the world rankings, represents Europe’s best chance of winning a first major title since Paul Lawrie’s victory at Carnoustie in 1999.

Asked if he should have won a major by now, the 25-year-old said: “I guess I should have but I didn’t. Am I underachieving? I wouldn’t say so.

“Somebody told me that I’m behind Tiger and Phil Mickelson as the guy with most wins under the age of 25 so I guess it’s not a bad group to be with.

“It’s not that simple (to win a major). You have to get things going that particular week. I definitely feel like I’ve played well enough to win one.

“I definitely had my chances but it doesn’t come down to you all the time. You need a couple of good breaks here and there and to make a couple of key putts when you’re down the stretch.

“And sometimes somebody else just comes out and plays better. When that happens the only thing you can do is congratulate him and settle for second.

“I’m not worried about it, I like the way my career has been going and I still feel like I have a lot of years of good golf to come.

“If it happens, to make it happen at St Andrews, the home of golf, would be a dream come true.

“But we’ve got to go out there and do it. Unfortunately nobody is going to give it to me.”