Sergio sets sights on victory

Garcia: chasing first win

Related links

News

• Super Sergio up to three
• Garcia ends Euro drought
• Sergio surges four clear
• Home comfort for host
• Castello Masters collated
• Dane off to Castello flyer
• Wood wants big week in Spain
• Camilo considers Euro move

Also see

• EuroTour Schedule
• World Rankings
• Golf live on Sky Sports

Sergio Garcia may be promoting this week's Castello Masters, but he insists he will not let off-course commitments distract him as he bids to finally secure a first win of the season.

European Tour stats package

The Spaniard will play host at his home venue this week, the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo in Borriol near Valencia - a course he has revamped with his father and coach Victor, a European Seniors Tour player.

However, he insists he will be focused on emerging victorious after a campaign that has yielded no fewer than four runner-up finishes.

"This week I will be giving 120 per cent, not just off the course but on it as well," he stated.

Garcia has used his considerable clout to attract a star-studded field with the likes of Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Angel Cabrera and Camilo Villegas all teeing it up.

Indeed, the host is particularly pleased he managed to convince Villegas to attend, saying: "Camilo is a great friend and I was very happy when he agreed to play this week."

The Colombian has proved one of the breakthrough stars across the pond on the PGA Tour this year, with big wins at the BMW Championship and Tour Championship lifting him up to seventh in the world.

The pair are close friends away from the course and Garcia has invited Villegas to stay at his house during this week's trip to Europe.

But with a €2 million (£1.6 million) prize fund up for grabs things are sure to turn competitive once the action gets underway on Thursday and Garcia is determined that his debut at event promotion turns out to be a success.

Changes

The Spaniard has made a number of changes to his home lay-out to ensure it provides a stern test for those taking part.

"We've tried to make the course more competitive, lengthening a few tees, putting in two new lakes and more bunkering on the 10th," he explained.

Although the event is the last one carrying Order of Merit points before next week's season-ending Volvo Masters, none of the top three in the points race will be present.

Lee Westwood in third and Padraig Harrington in second have opted against the trip, while leader Robert Karlsson has decided to rest up to give himself every chance of cementing Europe's number one spot at Valderrama.

"I didn't consider changing my schedule," the Swede, now up to number six in the new world rankings, explained. "I had a couple of little niggles going on (last week) and a week off to get fully fit for Valderrama is a better idea."