“Over Woods“

"No more Woods."

Sergio Garcia, 22 year- old Spanish golf star, boasted at the beginning of the new year that he will win the money list on the PGA Tour and the European tour as well as `Player Of The Year` title. Others did not quite agree with him, pointing at Tiger Woods, the 27 year- old American top player.

However, Garcia clearly displayed his talents this time. He started off the new year with a powerful step by winning the PGA season- opening match.

The American PGA 2002 season-opening Mercedes Championships took place on the 7th at Kapalua Plantation GC (Par 73), Hawaii with 4 million dollar-prizes.

Garcia made a birdie on the first playoff hole to beat last year`s PGA champion David Toms (U. S.), and won 720,000 dollars.

"It`s a very good start. I want to win the money list in both the PGA Tour and the European Tour." said the proud champion at the victory- interview.

On the previous day, Garcia tied as Daily Best (5-under 68), on the same day got into the playoffs with Toms finishing at 18-under 274.

On the 18th for the playoff, Garcia overwhelmed Toms, who hit 277 yard, by hitting a 313 yard driver T- shot and dropping the ball in the middle of fair way. Toms hit his second ball into the rough while Garcia placed his on the fair way 50 yards from the green. This was the decisive moment.

Toms escaped the rough with an approach-shot that stopped the ball on the 10 meter point, and Garcia had his 3rd shot on the 3 meter point.

As soon as Toms birdie- putt passed the hole cup, Garcia confidently dropped his putter and the ball went right in the hole.

Woods, having started the chase a little late, earned 8 birdies without bogey, but he remained tied for the 10th place (11-under 281). He said that the toxic letter would not affect his visit to New Zealand, and that he would like to join the New Zealand Open that starts on the 10th.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com