European Tour: Italian Open Power Rankings
The introduction of the Rolex Series this year was intended to attract the European Tour’s best players to flock to some of the tour’s staple events. Mission accomplished for this event as Sergio García is making his first Italian Open appearance.
The 37-year-old Spaniard is coming off of a week of rest after missing the cut two weeks ago at the British Masters by one shot. I don’t think missing the weekend has him too upset.
García’s made a paycheck in all but two of his 19 starts in 2017 and avoided a letdown after his breakthrough Masters victory. He’s put together 10 top 40s since April, including a T2 at the BMW International Open.
Finding fairways hasn’t been García’s strength on the PGA Tour this year, but at 75th on Tour (62.33 percent) in driving accuracy he shouldn’t be in too much trouble at Golf Club Milano. The course has playable rough and lacks much for hazards, so García’s iron game (69.92 greens in regulation, 8th) should be more than good enough to give hime birdie looks no matter where he’s be playing from.
García is No. 2 in the Race to Dubai standings but admitted in a Sky Sports post that winning the season-long race isn’t a high priority. With his foundation hosting next week’s Andalucía Masters, you could argue García’s attention may be lacking this week, but he’s just too talented to not scrap out a decent finish here in Italy.