GOLF: MADRID MASTERS:WORLD NUMBER eight Sergio Garcia had the spotlight taken off by him by world number 1,076 Manuel Quiros at yesterday's opening round of the Madrid Masters. A closing 15-foot eagle putt had given Garcia – playing in Europe for the first time since the British Open in July – an eight-under-par 64 and the clubhouse lead at Centro Nacional.
But playing in the last group of the day, Quiros, not even a full European Tour member, blasted an incredible 10-birdie 62.
The 30-year-old from Marbella, who earned a place in the event off the Spanish Order of Merit, has made six trips to the Tour qualifying school and made it through only once.
That was three years ago, and even on the “second division” Challenge circuit this year he has yet to record a top-40 finish.
Garcia remains firm favourite for the title as a result, especially with playing partner – and former Ryder Cup partner – Luke Donald managing only a one-under 71.
Third place is held by England’s 21-year-old Oliver Fisher, at last finding form again after missing his last seven cuts and 15 of the last 19.
Fisher, who came up through the amateur ranks with Rory McIlroy and was the youngest player to appear in the Walker Cup, is down in 152nd place on the Tour money list and needs to climb into the top 115 to keep his card.
Garcia, who is without a top-three finish all year and failed to make the Tour Championship in America, has returned to action with new clubs.
Next season a different rule governing grooves is being introduced – the aim is to make it more important to hit the fairways – and he told European Tour radio: “These are conforming and you definitely see a difference coming out of the rough. It’s good to get a feel of it and see how it reacts so you’re ready for next year.
“I love the clubs, so it’s fine. The ball seems to jump all the time and it’s just a question of how much.”
Anthony Wall, who injured his left shoulder playing for Britain and Ireland against Continental Europe two weeks ago, played through the pain for a 66.
Tied for fourth with Scot David Drysdale and three more English players – Ross McGowan and 2007 Walker Cup team-mates Danny Willett and David Horsey – Wall said: “There are four trapped nerves in and around the shoulder. It’s sore, but I can play.”
