Sergio makes switch from golf to football

[GrahamD]

SERGIO GARCIA has achieved a lifelong ambition by playing for his home football club in the Spanish Third Division.
The ex-world No 2 golfer came on for the final eight minutes of Borriol's 1-0 defeat by Ribarroja at the weekend.

He played on the left of midfield and even had a loud penalty claim turned down.

One onlooker said: "Sergio looked on the hefty side but has talent. However, he only got his chance because he's club president."

Garcia, 30, hopes the coach will give him more games during a two-month break from golf before helping out the Ryder Cup side as vice-captain.

He has not won an event in two years and has dropped out of the top 50.

[jamo]

He might be higher ranked in the world of football/soccer right now than golf. Man his game has been off since the 2008 playoffs.

[Stuart StAndrews]

I hadnt heard about this! is this for real? his game has been really off, but it sounds like his football game isnt much better! He looks in reasonable shape in the picture. I wonder if he was Club Captain for Real Madrid if he still would have got a game?!!

[Tiger Spuds]

I hadnt heard about this! is this for real? his game has been really off, but it sounds like his football game isnt much better! He looks in reasonable shape in the picture. I wonder if he was Club Captain for Real Madrid if he still would have got a game?!!

Probably helps that they're 3rd division, yeah. He is a very good football player though. Heard stories of some epic games between the European tour guys. Harrington is good too apparently. Those two on opposing teams would have been interesting..

[michaeljames92]

I know most guys don't like him, but i just love watching him play. He has a poor attitude, but man when he is on and holing putts, serious world beater.

[nevets88]

Harrington used to be a goalie. I read somewhere to look at his fingers - they're all bent out of shape from blocking the ball. Seen many videos of other Euro players doing nifty soccer ball juggling.

No doubt Garcia is a good football player, but he'll win a major before he'll even sniff Real Madrid or Barca.

Yeah, love watching his swing. The attitude, not so much.

[ghalfaire]

I always thought Sergio was as good as any from Tee to Green. But he has never been able to putt with the best except at the Ryder Cup. Not sure why, probably putting demons between the ears.

[pipster11]

sergio has been on the tour since he was a kid. I have thought for the last year that he just didnt look like he wanted to be there and that a 3-6 month break away from the game would be the best thing for him. That way when he comes back he will be hungry again.

the guy has so much talent its unreal. If he could putt like tiger he would have double figure majors.

flat stick kills him.

[ohiolefty]

Wouldn't Sergio, if he followed any 'big' spanish club, support Villareal? He's from that region.

Anyhoo...Rafa Nidal the tennis player could have been a world-class footballer. I love how he's described as "hefty". Football is not a sport that's as kind to those who enjoy a good meal as golf can be. Although many of the great players right now in golf are prime athletes, soccer is another level. You have to be able to run like a middle distance guy and have athleticism like a basketball player. Pretty tough.

[nevets88]

Wouldn't Sergio, if he followed any 'big' spanish club, support Villareal? He's from that region.

Yeah, I was just making the analogy with the top teams in Spain because he's one of the top (or at least once was) players in the PGA tour.

I wonder if Rafa's knees would hold up playing football. It is a softer surface than clay and hardcourts.