ABU DHABI // Sergio Garcia's last round on the National course was an eight-under-par 64 which propelled him up the leaderboard a year ago in an Abu Dhabi Championship won for the second time by England's Paul Casey. Sadly for the Spaniard, his spectacular leap forward came from too far back and proved good enough only to earn him a share of eighth position.
"I think I improved as the week went on and by the Sunday I was playing really great," the world No 13 said. "I just got going too late. This year I will be looking to start with the 64 and push on from there. "It would be great if I could start my European Tour season with an Abu Dhabi victory. Hopefully this will be my year. "I know I can score well on the course because it suits me pretty well. I finished third there [behind American Chris DiMarco] in 2006.
Garcia reckons the excellent conditions at the first of the three Desert Swing venues at this time of the year makes it an attractive proposition for many of his rivals on tour. "I think it has a good design, has some really interesting holes and is in immaculate condition - you can't ask for more than that. "It has a great place in the schedule and everyone looks forward to getting there and seeing the sunshine at the start of the year. Plus we all get looked after amazingly well at the Emirates Palace hotel which is very luxurious."
The fact that equally attractive events in Doha and Dubai follow on to form the Desert Swing add to the appeal. "The Middle East is developing into a great venue for our tournaments," said Garcia, who, along with 57 others, sampled the latest stage of Earth Course for the recent Dubai World Championship, which was won by his Ryder Cup teammate, the Englishman Lee Westwood. He was reluctant to name his preferred Gulf region destination, however.
"I like them all for different reasons so can't pick a favourite," he said. "But I am really looking forward to Abu Dhabi as it is the first of the Swing and I like seeing everyone and catching up after the Christmas break." Garcia was surprised to be told that Gary Player's new Saadiyat Island Beach Course and the neighbouring Yas Island Links Course are potential future venues for the Abu Dhabi Championship but will revel in the possibility of yet another new experience.
"Wherever they hold the tournament we know that the course will be excellent, so will the facilities and the quality of the accommodation.And good weather is always guaranteed," he added. wjohnson@thenational.ae