Garcia upbeat despite course concerns
Spain's Sergio Garcia is not a fan of the layout of Royal St George's but he will not allow that to spoil what he hopes will be his happiest Open for four years.
Since losing in a play-off to Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie in 2007, the Ryder Cup star's record at the world's oldest Major has reflected his general disappointing form.
Last year's joint 14th finish was a marked improvement on his two previous efforts of 51st and 38th at Birkdale and Turnberry but even then he was not comfortable with either himself or his game.
On his only other appearance at the Sandwich links in 2003 he finished tied for 10th - in the middle of a run of five top-10s in six years - but there are not too many fond memories.
"It's not my favourite, I'm not going to lie to you. Without a doubt there are better courses than this one," said the 31-year-old.
"It's a course that as soon as there is a bit of wind it becomes more complicated to play than with respect to other courses but in general terms, it's good and it's in very good condition."
There has been an upturn in Garcia's game in recent months as, having almost dropped out of the world's top 100 after being as high as third a couple of years ago, he has learned to deal with his on and off-course difficulties.
A seventh place at last month's US Open was followed the next week by defeat in a play-off at the BMW International in Munich - his best result since victory in the HSBC Champions event in November 2009.
But Garcia, who switched to a claw grip for putting earlier this year in an attempt to conquer one of the few failings in his game, is well aware he cannot afford to be complacent.
"It has been a good month for me. I've had positive vibes," he added.
"To have been able to qualify for the US Open and play well there and to have also played well in Germany to get to the Open has been important for me.
"But I must continue on the same path. I am going in the right direction and I hope I can continue to do good things.
"After Germany, I have practised the same way as I have done throughout the year.
"I also took some time off and went to Ibiza with my brother and some friends, we had a great time.
"The rest of the time, I have been practising and getting ready.
"The good thing with the Open is you never know what type of weather you are going to get.
"Besides playing well, you also need a little bit of luck with the weather.
"I feel more uncomfortable playing with rain so whatever happens I will deal with it."
