TPC: First Round Thoughts

Can Garcia Hang On?

By BRANDON FINLEY
Sports Reporter

Sergio Garcia is your leader in the clubhouse following the first round of the TPC at Sawgrass. The question is whether or not he will still be leading when eighteen holes are finished on Sunday. It's a little early to question whether a golfer can hang on during the final three rounds, but given Garcia's track record the question isn't that unreasonable.

Garcia has quickly linked himself to another famous foreign golfer, but it's not the one he'd like. Garcia would like to be compared to Seve Ballesteros, but he's more likely to be compared to Greg Norman. The similarities between Norman and Garcia are endless. Both golfers have an immense amount of talent, but they're both more known for blowing the big lead.

Garcia has been in this position before, but he's failed before. This would easily be the biggest victory of his career, but can he keep it going. Tiger Woods has been the one to make him sputter in the past, but with Tiger missing the tournament due to knee injury, this could be Garcia's time.

There are other notables in the field including Phil Mickelson, but he's only two under. The most intriguing player on the leader board may be former champion Steve Elkington only two shots back. He's an older player, but he knows the course. He could be the one to challenge Garcia, and cause the flutter.

Other interesting players in the top twenty at this point are Ian Poultier, Fred Couples, Kenny Perry, Brett Quigley, and Mike Weir. Former champion and third ranked player in the world, Adam Scott, is three over.