Sport

Heartbreak for Sergio Garcia as Three-Foot Putt Foils Open Championship Dreams

2025-03-24

Author: Wei

Welcome to the Monday Leaderboard, your go-to source for the most riveting stories from the world of golf! This weekend saw a rollercoaster of emotions, tight finishes, and a shocking near-miss that left one golfing legend reeling.
1. Viktor Hovland Seizes Victory Amidst Adversity

Golf can be a harsh mistress, and this was evident as Viktor Hovland triumphed at the Valspar Championship, defying the odds after a string of disappointing performances. With his last three tournaments resulting in missed cuts and a significant drop in ranking from No. 4 to No. 19, Hovland made a stunning comeback, carding three birdies in a clutch finish to secure victory by a single stroke.

“I hit a lot of disgusting shots,” Hovland admitted post-round. His comment encapsulates the level of unpredictability in this sport, where a player's fortunes can change in an instant. On the flip side, Justin Thomas, who entered the final holes with a three-shot lead, suffered a gut-wrenching collapse to finish a heart-crushing third, despite a promising start to the tournament.

2. Sergio Garcia Faces Major Setback at International Series

In a stunning turn of events, Sergio Garcia, a stalwart of European golf and now a competitor in the LIV Golf series, will be left to rue a missed three-foot putt that could have sealed his spot in the Open Championship. Competing at the Asian Tour's International Series in Macau, Garcia needed a simple putt on 18 to secure an exemption, but instead opened the door for fellow LIV golfer Jason Kokrak.

The International Series, a partnership between LIV and the Asian Tour, presented Garcia with a chance to get back into the Open—something he had consistently qualified for over two decades. With Carlos Ortiz and Patrick Reed finishing in the top spots, Garcia's hopes now hinge on maintaining position in LIV's points standings. Will this veteran golfer regain his footing, or is this the beginning of the end for his major aspirations?

3. Valspar Championship: Golf's Latest Outbursts

The Valspar Championship has evolved into a showcase of frustration alongside skill, with players like Adam Hadwin expressing their dissatisfaction in dramatic fashion. After struggling on the course, Hadwin's outburst on a sprinkler head captured the intense emotions players face in high-stakes environments.

4. TGL Championship Draws Near in a Unique Golfing Landscape

As traditional golf gears up for its season, TGL is preparing for its championship finale. Scheduled to begin Monday night, this unique golf league features match-ups between teams that include prominent players like Justin Thomas. While there's notable absence of heavyweights like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, TGL has carved out a niche in the hybrid golf world, leaving fans eager to see how its first season concludes.

5. Junior Talent Shines at Sage Valley Invitational

The future of golf was on display at the Sage Valley Invitational, which has a history of showcasing young talent that goes on to stardom. Sixteen-year-old Miles Russell took home the win this year, but the buzz surrounded Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, and Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump. Their performances serve as a reminder that the next generation is already making waves, although both faced challenges in their placements.

Shot of the Week: Sam Ryder’s Stunning Ace

Bringing excitement to the greens, Sam Ryder made headlines with a hole-in-one from an impressive 204 yards at the par-3 17th hole of Innisbrook, a feat perfectly timed with the spirit of March Madness. Ryder's ace was part of a mixed round that resulted in a T16 finish.

Looking ahead, golf fans can anticipate the Texas Children’s Houston Open on the PGA Tour and the LPGA's Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass in Arizona. The golf world continues to evolve, and there's no telling what exhilarating twists and turns await as the season unfolds!