Garcia looks for Seve inspiration at Open
Spaniard Sergio Garcia is undoubtedly in a happier place than he was twelve months ago.
Furthermore, he hopes images of the late, great Seve Ballesteros emblazoned around Royal St George's will provide additional inspiration for this week's Open Championship.
The 31-year-old Ryder Cup star has been through troubled times on and off the course over the last two years but recent performances appear to suggest he has emerged from that slump.
A seventh place at last month's US Open was followed the next week by defeat in a play-off at the BMW International in Munich - his best result since victory in the HSBC Champions even in November 2009.
And although he is careful not to raise hopes of a challenge like the one at Carnoustie in 2007 - when he lost at play-off to Padraig Harrington - Garcia's confidence has definitely returned.
Last year at St Andrews television commentator Mark James suggested the Spaniard was not a happy man and the man himself could not disagree.
"Mark probably got it spot on. Here at the Open I was trying especially hard because I love the people and the courses," said Garcia, whose trough coincided with his break-up with Greg Norman's daughter Morgan-Leigh as he slipped from third in the world rankings to his present spot of 53rd.
"The way I was on the course just wasn't quite where I wanted to be.
"The joy was gone at some points, it was really difficult to get through it and it felt like every time I was rising up a little I would do something in a round and play two bad holes.
"I obviously feel much better than I felt last year, although there are way too many things to think about in terms of what has changed.
"It (his game) is getting there but there is a lot of room for improvement but there are a lot of nice things happening.
"I definitely feel different. The good thing is now because of the way I am feeling and dealing better with those things hopefully this week will go well.
"It doesn't mean I am going to play amazingly but it does mean I am willing to try shots and fight all the way."
The death of Ballesteros, a three-time Open champion, in May has not gone unrecognised at Sandwich with pictures of his victories visible on the walk into the course and the iconic image of his win at St Andrews replicated on grandstands surrounding the 18th green.
Garcia, who is almost as well-loved by the British crowds as his compatriot, likes the imagery and appreciates the sentiment.
It obviously brings back many memories for him, although he cannot afford to allow himself to become too sentimental.
"It shows how much he meant to this championship and the game of golf - especially in the UK," he added.
"I remember watching him playing the Open and the love the people gave to him was second to none.
"It was very special and it is a shame.
"I do remember once I played with him when we practised together (at an Open) - it was amazing to share the course with him.
"It did help playing with but the best help you can get is experience.
"There is a lot of feel involved; some clubs you hit here you don't hit anywhere else - like a seven iron from 125 yards.
"It is important that you have done it before and you can feel how the shot has to be hit.
"I love this championship, I always try extra hard and hopefully I can go out there this week and do well.
"But it is going to be tough and there are moments when it is going to be difficult."
The 31-year-old Ryder Cup star has been through troubled times on and off the course over the last two years but recent performances appear to suggest he has emerged from that slump.
A seventh place at last month's US Open was followed the next week by defeat in a play-off at the BMW International in Munich - his best result since victory in the HSBC Champions even in November 2009.
And although he is careful not to raise hopes of a challenge like the one at Carnoustie in 2007 - when he lost at play-off to Padraig Harrington - Garcia's confidence has definitely returned.
Last year at St Andrews television commentator Mark James suggested the Spaniard was not a happy man and the man himself could not disagree.
"Mark probably got it spot on. Here at the Open I was trying especially hard because I love the people and the courses," said Garcia, whose trough coincided with his break-up with Greg Norman's daughter Morgan-Leigh as he slipped from third in the world rankings to his present spot of 53rd.
"The way I was on the course just wasn't quite where I wanted to be.
"The joy was gone at some points, it was really difficult to get through it and it felt like every time I was rising up a little I would do something in a round and play two bad holes.
"I obviously feel much better than I felt last year, although there are way too many things to think about in terms of what has changed.
"It (his game) is getting there but there is a lot of room for improvement but there are a lot of nice things happening.
"I definitely feel different. The good thing is now because of the way I am feeling and dealing better with those things hopefully this week will go well.
"It doesn't mean I am going to play amazingly but it does mean I am willing to try shots and fight all the way."
The death of Ballesteros, a three-time Open champion, in May has not gone unrecognised at Sandwich with pictures of his victories visible on the walk into the course and the iconic image of his win at St Andrews replicated on grandstands surrounding the 18th green.
Garcia, who is almost as well-loved by the British crowds as his compatriot, likes the imagery and appreciates the sentiment.
It obviously brings back many memories for him, although he cannot afford to allow himself to become too sentimental.
"It shows how much he meant to this championship and the game of golf - especially in the UK," he added.
"I remember watching him playing the Open and the love the people gave to him was second to none.
"It was very special and it is a shame.
"I do remember once I played with him when we practised together (at an Open) - it was amazing to share the course with him.
"It did help playing with but the best help you can get is experience.
"There is a lot of feel involved; some clubs you hit here you don't hit anywhere else - like a seven iron from 125 yards.
"It is important that you have done it before and you can feel how the shot has to be hit.
"I love this championship, I always try extra hard and hopefully I can go out there this week and do well.
"But it is going to be tough and there are moments when it is going to be difficult."
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