Sergio Garcia’s AT&T Byron Nelson win shows he’s still got it, but let’s not pretend he’s level with Seve

Sergio still has a way to go to match Seve's overall record

Whatever happens between now and the end of his career, Sergio Garcia’s legacy will be one of nearly moments, missed opportunities and failure to capitalise on immense talent. 

Garcia has become known for an ability to fall at the final hurdle that has cost him countless tournaments, including several majors. 

But, Garcia’s win at the AT&T Byron Nelson was his ninth on the PGA Tour, drawing him level as the tour’s most successful Spaniard alongside Seve Ballesteros. This fact drew countless headlines claiming that Garcia had “equalled” or “matched” Seve. 

It’s not Garcia’s fault that as Spain’s top golfer and a close friend of the late Seve, he is often compared to his hero. Asked to comment on the record, Garcia felt obliged to play ball. 

“It’s awesome to be up there with Seve who for me means so much,” said Garcia. “I won it a la Seve today. I wasn’t on today. I played well the last five holes and the playoff. Other than that I was battling with my swing a little bit. I was playing hard and chipping great and made some great putts and it’s just great that I was able to get it.”

Garcia and Seve now have the same number of PGA Tour titles, that’s a fact, but Seve also won 50 European Tour titles to Garcia’s current tally of 11. Between Seve’s first victory, in 1976, and his last, in 1995, there was only one year in which he didn’t win at least one title. He also won five majors. Garcia has come close many times, finishing fourth on four occasions, but is yet to break his major duck. 

Comparing Garcia and Seve on the basis they have the same number of PGA Tour titles is like saying Micah Richards is level with Lionel Messi when it comes to goals scored against Hartlepool Athletic. 

Garcia hopes his first win in nearly two and a half years will be the catalyst for more success.

“I know I can play better,” said the 36-year-old. “I know that’s in me. The goals are still the same, just keep getting better.”

With the amount of talent at Garcia’s disposal, there’s nothing to stop him racking up two wins a year for the next decade. He’d likely swap that, though, for a single major championship.