European Masters
Sergio Garcia birdied the last four holes for a 6-under-par 65 Friday to take a one-shot lead over fellow Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez after two rounds of the European Masters.
Jimenez, a fellow Ryder Cup member, carded a 67. The third member of the European Ryder Cup team playing in the event, Luke Donald, shared third -- three strokes back -- after a 67. South African Charl Schwartzel was also was three back with a 66.
Two-time champion Eduardo Romero was in a group four strokes back, with defending champion Ernie Els five off the pace after a 67.
The 24-year-old Garcia, who started his round on the 10th, opened with a 1-under par 34 on the first nine. On the second nine, he had five birdies to pull away.
"It's nice to finish the round the way I did, and it's important to play well ahead of the Ryder Cup because it gives you confidence going in," Garcia said.
He said he has learned to hit a dependable fade and a consistent draw as a result of swing changes he made early last year.
"I can hit the draw and I hit some good ones today, but I feel more comfortable with the fade, or cut," he said. He said he cut a 3-wood off the seventh that traveled 370 yards, impressive despite the rarified air in this Swiss mountain resort.
Garcia suggested that Jimenez should skip next week's Lindt German Masters in order to be fresh for the Ryder Cup.
"I don't need people to tell me what to do," he said defiantly. "I am 40 and old enough to know what I have to do."
"I know it is a lot of golf, but if I go home I won't practice. I don't want to be away from the clubs. You need to keep the short game and the feeling for the game."
Romero was content despite a host of missed chances.
"I played very solid, but I missed a lot of good chances for birdies today and I missed a couple short putts for eagle."
"I was concentrated and relaxed and the weather is lovely."
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