Sergio Garcia still haunted by Tiger Woods controversy

For many golfers, an opening round 73 would be disappointing. However, for Sergio Garcia, it was on par with his expectations following a tumultuous few weeks.

“Well, with my game, I feel like I’m always just waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Garcia said. “Sometimes, that comes early, sometimes that comes late, but in the back of my mind, I know something is always going to happen.”

The 33-year old Spaniard has finished in the top five in majors on nine different occasions but has never won one. Last month, Garcia became embroiled in controversy after making a “fried chicken” remark about Tiger Woods.

That heightened tensions between the two long-time adversaries. This week, Garcia attempted to apologize to Woods, but has been unable to meet with the 3-time U.S. Open winner. That didn’t slow Garcia from blaming Woods, at least in part, for his struggles Thursday afternoon.

“This controversy has been hanging over my head for weeks now. If he’s too selfish to help me get this off my mind, well, that’s on him. It really messed with my mental preparation. I think he’s putting my apology off as long as he can because that’s just the guy he is.”

Garcia then added that he heard cheering during his backswing on the 15^th hole when he thought he heard Woods emerge from a clubhouse bathroom, before clarifying that it may have just been the wind.

Garcia’s round fell apart early on Thursday. Garcia scored a combined 6-over par on holes 14 and 15 to torpedo his round before half the field even hit the course. Garcia shot 7-over on the front nine.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could handle another late meltdown, so I tried to get it out of the way early. I’m hoping to get out of here as soon as possible. I’m planning on flying back to Spain Friday morning and eating a delicious lunch with my friends and family.”

When asked what was on the menu, Garcia declined comment.

USGA official Orien Green said Garcia would face harsh penalties if he refused to play his round Friday barring a legitimate medical excuse. Garcia had left the interview room and was unavailable for comment when this information came to light.