The stage is set at LIV Golf Singapore for sparks to fly and shots to dazzle, with Spain’s Sergio Garcia arriving at Sentosa Golf Club in scintillating form.
Fresh off a superb victory in Hong Kong, Garcia— the former Masters champion— has vaulted to the top of the LIV Golf individual season standings, and he’s clearly determined to make every moment count.
Garcia is no stranger to the magic of Sentosa. Having won the Singapore Open in 2018 and finishing runner-up at the inaugural LIV Golf Singapore in 2023, he knows these fairways like the back of his club.
Now, as Fireballs GC captain, his three-shot triumph in Hong Kong not only bolstered his personal standings but also steered his team to a memorable title, placing them at the summit of the LIV Golf team season rankings.
This win has also earned him a live selection as one of Luke Donald’s wildcard picks for September’s Ryder Cup—a nod to his consistency and flair on the course.
Heading into this week’s action on the hallowed Serapong Course, the 2017 Masters champion—who made a strong showing last season by finishing third in the LIV Golf individual championship race—remains focused despite the high stakes. With his 100th Major at the Masters just around the corner, Garcia reflected,
“The only thing I can do is keep playing good golf, and I just want to help the European team like I’ve tried to do every single time I’ve been a member of that team, and hopefully he will think I’m good enough for it. It will be important for me to play well this week, and I am looking forward to it.”
But Garcia isn’t the only one with ambitions as lofty as the Singapore skyline. On the same storied course, defending individual champion Brooks Koepka—captaining Smash GC—is raring to reclaim his past glory. Koepka, drawing inspiration from his victory at Sentosa just 10 months ago, recalled,
“Everything was really solid,’ he said looking back to his two-shot win over Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith last year. ‘I didn’t really think I made too many mistakes. It’s a great feeling when it kind of feels easy.”
He continued with unmistakable enthusiasm about his return, “I am excited to be back in Singapore. Obviously, I’ve had good results. Honestly, it’s just a cool country. The golf course is great. I think it’s the best course we play.
Sentosa is pretty cool. You look at that whole front side — it’s all about positioning and being in the right spot, making sure you either hit the fairway or you’re positioned correctly. That’s what I think a good golf course tests you on.”
Not to be outdone, three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, making his Singapore Open debut on The Serapong back in 2007, is hoping that his recent resurgence in Hong Kong will translate into success here.
Finishing third in Hong Kong behind Garcia and Stinger GC’s Dean Burmester, Mickelson is clearly building momentum. He noted,
“The fact is, I’m hitting a lot of good shots. I’m playing some good golf,” said Mickelson, who has won three of his six majors at Augusta National.
“This is a building week as I continue to build into LIV and my goal of accomplishing a win in LIV as well as winning another major or getting ready for Augusta.”
The Serapong, recently crowned Singapore’s and Asia’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards in 2024, with its snaking layout and breathtaking backdrops, remains a coveted arena for golf’s elite.
As the professionals vie for that elusive win in LIV Golf Singapore, every swing and every putt is set against one of the most stunning canvases in the sport.
With history, talent, and an electric atmosphere converging on Sentosa, this week promises not only top-tier golf but also moments of genuine passion and excitement that remind us why the game captivates us all.
For more information on Sentosa Golf Club visit www.sentosagolf.com or follow the Club on social media.
