Tag: Sergio Garcia

Nick Watney feeling better, caddie Tony Navarro tested negative

PGA Tour player Nick Watney tested positive for COVID-19 Friday at the RBC Heritage. His caddie has also tested negative Golfweek learned.

[jwplayer Me5unZun-vgFm21H3]

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Veteran caddie Tony Navarro was cleaning a short iron on the range at Harbour Town Golf Links late Friday morning when his boss, Nick Watney, who was getting ready for the second round of the RBC Heritage, took a phone call.

Less than a minute later, Watney was shaking his head in a negative way and taking off his golf glove.

“We have to go,” he said to Navarro.

Watney had been told he tested positive for the coronavirus.

“His mind was racing,” Navarro told Golfweek on Saturday. “I just packed up and left the golf course with him and in the car he explained to me he tested positive. He was so concerned about everybody else. His concerns weren’t with him. He was thinking about where he’d been, who he had been in contact with, and he wanted to let them know.  He’s so sensitive for others. That’s just his No. 1 concern – if he infected anyone else.”

Leaderboard | Photos | How to watch | Tee times | Updates

Watney, 39, withdrew from the tournament. Navarro, 60, moved out of the house the two were sharing here and into a villa on the Sea Pines property. Both have to self-quarantine for at least 10-14 days, with follow up tests throughout.

Navarro said he spoke to Watney, who tested negative last week and earlier this week when he arrived in Hilton Head Island, on Saturday morning and that he was feeling better.

“He feels good and just hopes and prays he didn’t infect anybody,” Navarro said.

After Watney tested positive, the PGA Tour began implementing its response plan developed in consultation with medical experts, including contact tracing. Watney’s playing partners in the first round – Luke List and Vaughn Taylor – were tested Friday, as were their caddies. Sergio Garcia, who flew privately to South Carolina with Watney on Tuesday, was also tested Friday. He texted Golfweek and said his result was negative.

In all, according to the PGA Tour, 11 people were tested and all 11 tested negative including Navarro.

A few hours after Watney became the first PGA Tour player to test positive, Navarro took two COVID-19 tests – one in each nostril – and was told late Friday night the first test came back negative. He’s awaiting the results of the second test – that one takes between 24 and 48 hours to deliver results.

Navarro – and the health officials he’s in contact with – are confident the second test will come back negative. Navarro took a saliva test before he went to last week’s Charles Schwab Challenge and then took a COVID-19 test when he arrived at the tournament. When he got to the RBC Heritage, he took another COVID-19 test. All three came back negative.

“I’m fine,” said Navarro, who started caddying for Watney in 2017. He’s also looped for major champions Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd, Ben Crenshaw, Jeff Sluman, Adam Scott and Gary Woodland. “I’m very sure I don’t have it.

“I wanted to drive him home to Texas, but the Tour wouldn’t let me. We couldn’t go anywhere we can’t get to on one tank of gas.”

[vertical-gallery id=778049776]

Navarro, who drove alone from Texas to South Carolina after Watney missed the cut in last week’s Charles Schwab Challenge and visited his daughter, Sarah, in Woodstock, Georgia, said he and Watney cooked and ate in every night they were here in Lowcountry. The two only went to the grocery store once.

“We played very early on Thursday, so we were up since 4 a.m. We finished by 11:30 and then hit balls for an hour and a half. Then we went to the house and he wanted to take a nap,” Navarro said. “He got up about 5 o’clock and said he didn’t feel good. He wears a monitor on his wrist that tracks his heart rate and it was kind of sending him some signs that alarmed him a little bit.

“But we had dinner. Got some sleep.”

Friday morning, Navarro said Watney, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour, woke up and said he had a few symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and while he didn’t feel great he didn’t feel terrible. Still, Watney wanted to get checked out and met with a physician, who administered a COVID-19 test.

“They tested him. They told him what he could and couldn’t do. He got a call from the Tour that said it was fine for him to go hit some balls because we were supposed to play at 12:21,” Navarro said. “So about 11:15 a.m. we went to the golf course, hit a few putts, and as he started to warm up, he got the call.”

Nick Watney
Nick Watney plays a shot on the 11th hole during the first round of the RBC Heritage on June 18, 2020 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

During his self-quarantine, Navarro can leave the villa only for necessities, like food or medicine, but must wear a mask. And Navarro is just as concerned about Watney as he is about himself.

“I’ll be around and help him with anything he needs as much as I can,” Navarro said. “Hopefully no one else tests positive and we wait this out and get back to business in a few weeks.”

[lawrence-related id=778050073,778050151,778050090,778049763]

Need a laugh? Jump in on this European Tour video conference

European Tour spoofs a conference call, and we check out 10 other funny examples of how the Euros are winning on social media

The European Tour does social media better than just about anyone. If it was a Ryder Cup competition, the Euros would be leading the Americans 12-4 heading into the final day’s singles matches.

On this page is the latest example, one with which so many of us working from home can relate. Well played, especially to Gary Player.

And on the following pages are 10 more examples of well-played social media. Everyone from Rory McIlroy to Phil Mickelson takes a turn. And don’t forget about little Billy, or at least what’s left of him.

The Video Conference Call

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11

No Tiger Woods but PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage field still loaded

Tiger Woods won’t be playing next week, but the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage field is still loaded with talent.

Tiger Woods didn’t head to Texas for this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge as the PGA Tour resumed play after a 91-day break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He’s not going to South Carolina next week, either.

The game’s biggest star and reigning Masters champion didn’t commit to the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island by the 5 p.m. ET Friday deadline. The 15-time major champion didn’t publicly issue a statement.

Woods tied for 18th in 1999 in his lone appearance in the tournament. But speculation spread quickly earlier this week that Woods would restart his season in RBC Heritage after his yacht, Privacy, traveled up the Eastern Seaboard from North Palm Beach, Florida, to St. Simons Island, Georgia, just few hours south of Hilton Head Island.

But it’s a voyage that will not result in a start in the RBC Heritage.

Despite the absence of Woods, the field boasts a boatload of stars including the top 5 players in the world – No. 1 Rory McIlroy, No. 2 Jon Rahm, No. 3 Brooks Koepka, No. 4 Justin Thomas and No. 5 Dustin Johnson.

Rahm and Koepka will be making their tournament debuts. McIlroy played in the RBC Heritage just once, in 2009, when he tied for 58th. Thomas has made two starts in the tournament, tying for 11th in 2015 and finishing 75th in 2016. Johnson had made four starts, the two most recent coming the past two years when he tied for 16th and 28th.

Other top-10 players in the field are Patrick Reed, Patrick Cantlay and Webb Simpson. The star-power is further bolstered by 2014 winner Matt Kuchar, two-time winner Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Tony Finau, Kevin Kisner and Bubba Watson. As well, youngsters Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa and Matt Wolff.

C.T. Pan will defend his title.

In all, 112 players in the field have won a PGA Tour title – the most winners in a field in any tournament since 2000.

Woods last played in The Match: Champions for Charity on May 24, where he and Peyton Manning defeated Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady at The Medalist in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Woods last played on the PGA Tour on Feb. 16, when he shot a final-round 77 to finish in last place at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club north of Los Angeles. In his only other Tour start this year, he tied for ninth in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

The next tournament where Woods could make his first Tour start since February would be the Travelers Championship June 25-28 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Woods, seeking a record 83rd PGA Tour title, has never played in the tournament.

[jwplayer LaR0espT-vgFm21H3]

[lawrence-related id=778048170,778047669]

So will Drew Brees face Peyton Manning in ‘The Match III’?

Drew Brees and Sergio Garcia said they want to take on the winners of ‘The Match: Champions for Charity.’

Before Peyton Manning and Tiger Woods faced Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson in The Match: Champions for Charity on Sunday, Drew Brees wished the participants good luck on his Instagram page and called dibs on facing the winners.

“Wishing @tombrady and Peyton Manning best of luck in their Semi Final Match today w Phil & Tiger… look forward to watching. @thesergiogarcia and I will take on the winners!” Brees wrote, tagging professional golfer Sergio Garcia, his cousin.

Brees might have been at least partially joking, but Garcia responded “I’m in cuz @drewbrees!” on his own Instagram page.

So will The Match III feature Brees and Garcia going up against Manning and Woods? That remains to be seen, but Brees and Garcia would likely be considered big underdogs if such a match happened after Manning and Woods defeated Mickelson and Brady on Sunday.

[vertical-gallery id=640413]

Drew Brees wants to play the winner of Tom Brady-Peyton Manning golf matchup

Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson are golfing with Peyton Manning and Tiger Woods. Drew Brees and Sergio Garcia want to play the winning duo.

[jwplayer liaeOyOG-ThvAeFxT]

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning played against each other often in their long NFL careers, so it’s only natural that they will cross paths again during a high-profile charity golf matchup for charity. While Brady has paired up with legendary golfer Phil Mickelson, Manning teamed up with the sport’s icon, Tiger Woods. It’s shaping up for a star-studded afternoon at “The Match: Champions for Charity” at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla.

And Drew Brees wants to play the winner, offering an opportunity to settle which of the three quarterbacks is the greatest out on the greens. He’s bringing backup, too, by volunteering his cousin-in-law Sergio Garcia (the 2017 Masters Tournament champion) to join him. That’s what Brees wrote from his official Instagram account, wishing Brady and Manning well in their efforts at raising money for a charitable cause.

With golf clubs and courses reopening around the country after closures related to the coronavirus pandemic, more celebrity games like this figure to become more common. And it would be fun to see how Brees compares to the quarterbacks whose records he’s broken in football, even if Manning has had a few extra years of practice in retirement. Hopefully the pros take it easy on them.

[vertical-gallery id=33835]

Tales of Tiger’s top 10 putts of all time: Check out Nos. 10-9-8

We offer up our list of the top 10 putts in Tiger Woods’ career, starting with Nos. 10, 9 and 8. Go to Golfweek.com for more on this list.

One of the most iconic clubs in golf’s history is a 35.25-inch, chrome-finished Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter with a single dot on the topline and two distinct red dots, one on the front, the other on the back.

“Yep, it’s been pretty good to me,” Tiger Woods said of the putter he calls “Scotty.” “Seriously, it’s been a special club.”

Bobby Jones had Calamity Jane, Judge Smails his Billy Baroo and Woods his Scotty, which he first wrapped his paws around in 1999. Since then, the club has been in his bag for 66 of his record-tying 82 PGA Tour titles and 14 of his 15 majors and led to nearly $95 million in earnings.

“It’s hard to describe how it’s always felt in my hands; how confident I’ve always felt with it,” he said. “It’s been a huge part of my life on the golf course.”

In tandem, the two have delivered some of the game’s most memorable putts. It’s a long list, indeed, and presents a challenge as difficult as facing a 6-foot, downhill putt that breaks two feet at Augusta National – what are the best putts Woods has made in his career?

While Woods hasn’t used the Scotty since February due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, he’s had plenty of time to recall his best work with the shortest club in his bag. We’ve had the time, too, and offer up our list of the Top 10 best putts in Woods’ career. Without doubt, the list is open to dispute, as is the ranking. But that is what the 19th hole is for. Anyway, here’s our list. Be sure to come back all week as we continue the countdown.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Sergio Garcia, wife Angela welcome second child over Easter weekend

Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia announced his wife Angela gave birth to the couple’s second child on April 10.

[jwplayer vBPAOHBh-vgFm21H3]

It’s a boy.

Sergio Garcia and his wife, Angela, welcomed their second child Friday afternoon.

The 2017 Masters champion announced the birth of the couple’s son, Enzo Akins Garcia, on Sunday on Instagram alongside a photo of the new family of four.

Sergio and Angela already had one daughter, Azalea, who was born in March 2018.

“Happy Easter to everyone! We’re blessed to have welcomed Enzo Akins Garcia on Friday, April 10, at 6:25 p.m.,” Sergio wrote. “Enzo and Angela are both doing great. Azalea is very happy to be a big sister and loves taking care of her baby brother already. Hope you all have enjoyed Easter (and Masters) Sunday. God bless from our family to yours!”

In November, Sergio and Angela revealed they were expecting a boy with a golf-themed gender reveal.

[lawrence-related id=778007604,778035504,778011210,777999446]

To our heroes: European Tour players thank essential workers in heartfelt video

Rory McIlroy and 13 other European Tour players thanked the essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic with a heartfelt video.

“I am not your hero.”

That was the message a handful of European Tour players wanted to relay to their fans and followers on Saturday night.

Message received, gentlemen. Loud and clear.

The tour released a video on social media sure to tug at your heartstrings, with 14 players thanking “the essential workers we all take for granted” for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The players thanked everyone from healthcare professionals to social workers and shop workers to food producers and pleaded for fans to follow the advice of the World Health Organization and respective governments around the world to stay home.

“If we do that, we can save lives and become heroes,” Rory McIlroy said to end the video.

The video included appearances from: McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood, Thomas Bjorn, Victor Perez, Charl Schwartzel, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.

Stay safe, everyone.

[lawrence-related id=778033585,778033494,778033554,778033525]

Drivers used by top 10 PGA Tour golfers in strokes gained off the tee

See which clubs the PGA Tour’s best drivers are using off the tee to maximize distance and accuracy.

It all starts with the tee shot. Modern professional golfers attack holes right from the start using a combination of power and accuracy in an attempt to create easier approach shots and scoring chances.

The U.S. Golf Association and the R&A have determined that distance is playing too large a role in golf, and the game’s governing bodies are researching what should be done to stop the trends of players hitting the ball farther and courses growing longer. While they investigate various options, pros continue to grip it and rip it.

No one drives the ball better than the 10 players listed below, the leaders in strokes gained off the tee in the 2019-20 PGA Tour season. See which clubs they use to gain an edge over the competition.

A strokes gained average of 0.5 means a player gains half a shot against the field average. So a player with a strokes gained off the tee of 0.5 would be two shots better than average over the span of a four-day tournament.

Boo Weekley
Boo Weekley (Lee Coleman/Getty Images)

10. Boo Weekley, 0.655

DRIVER: Callaway Epic Flash (9 degrees), with Project X EvenFlow Black shaft

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10

Saudi International: Sergio Garcia wants to ‘show the true Sergio’ after last year’s DQ

Sergio Garcia said he wants to show fans “the true Sergio” after being disqualified at last year’s Saudi International.

Get ready to meet “the true Sergio,” golf fans.

Sergio Garcia will return to Saudi Arabia in two weeks for the first time since his disqualification from last year’s Saudi International for losing his cool and damaging multiple putting greens during the third round of play at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

The day before he was disqualified, Garcia also lost his cool, throwing a temper tantrum in a bunker.

According to Garcia, who kept his reported $640,000 appearance fee despite being disqualified, this year will be different. For starters, he reportedly waived his appearance fee.

“I feel terrible about what happened last year,” said Garcia ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. “Obviously there were some outside things that got me to that point.”

“You know, I want to go there,” Garcia added, referring to Saudi Arabia. “I want to show my respect to them. You know, the easy thing would have been for me to hide and never come back there. But I love the people there, and I love the guys, all the people we met and everyone that takes care of us during the tournament. They are amazing people, and they wanted me to go back.”

Garcia said it was an “easy decision” and that he’s excited to return to Saudi Arabia and “Show myself, show the true Sergio.”

Only time will tell if we see a different Garcia this year, but as the 2017 Masters champion makes his 2020 debut, he’ll be doing so without a Callaway deal.

“Unfortunately our relationship with Callaway didn’t go any farther. So at the moment, I’m a free agent,” Garcia said, adding there were things Callaway wanted that he couldn’t agree to.

“It’s all good,” he said. “There’s no hard feelings by any side, and these things happen. We just move on from there.”

[lawrence-related id=778020241,778020368,778020311,778020269]