Johnny Miller: Clairvoyant
Courtesy: AP
There is a portentous piece in the August issue of Golf Digest written by Johnny Miller.
It was written well before The Open at Carnoustie.
The piece is entitled, "Sergio Continues To Mystify" and deals with the young Spaniard's inability to find the winner's circle.
Miller says, "A year ago, the consensus on Sergio Garcia was 'gifted ball striker, shaky putter', especially under pressure. Today, Sergio seems to have addressed his putting problems…through early June, he ranked in the top 25" on tour.
And, Miller points out, it has meant some high finishes, including a second at the recent Players Championship.
But, writes Johnny, Sergio hasn't won in two years and professional golf is all about winning.
"With his putting improving and his sensational ball striking better than ever, Sergio needs to find patience, Perseverance and, most of all, the knack for winning".
In light of what transpired on Sunday at Carnoustie, how "on the mark" is Miller?
Well, Sergio putted fairly well until the pressure ratcheted way up as his lead started to slip away.
And then he began to dribble a few over the edges of the cup for missed birdies, putts he'd been making all week.
Fair enough. Not even Tiger can make them all. But it was that final putt on 18 for a birdie to win, the one that leaked away again, that really shattered Garcia.
He slumped over his putter handle and stayed like that, eyes closed, for five seconds or more.
Then, it was off to the scorer's hut, to the practice green and then the first tee for the playoff.
He never re-grouped.
"Sergio needs to find patience, perseverance and, most of all, the knack for winning". I think Miller has ESP.