One year after surrendering the US PGA Tour's Honda Classic to Australian Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia is eager to ditch the bridesmaid tag at West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Spanish world No.9 posted a two-under-par 68 during Thursday's opening round to share 11th place with Scott and 12 others, four shots back of leaders Cody Gribble and Wes Bryan at six under.
"I played really nicely today and it could have been at least a six-under round. Hopefully we'll have a good score on Friday," Garcia told AAP.
"Every time you've played well at a golf course it's pleasing to come back. It brings good feelings."
The 37-year-old Garcia said he was motivated by last year's final-round stumble, when he finished a shot back of Scott courtesy of bogeys at the 16th and 17th at the difficult Champion course at PGA National.
Scott went on to win the following week's WGC-Cadillac Championship at Miami's famed Doral course.
Nine-time US PGA Tour winner Garcia welcomed another potential Sunday showdown with world No.7 Scott.
"Of course; Adam's a good friend," said Garcia.
"We both played well last year on a tough golf course in difficult conditions.
"Obviously, the two bogeys I made on 16 and 17 took me away from having a chance but it was a great fight.
"Adam played great not only at this tournament but also the week after when he won (the WGC-Cadillac championship) at Doral."
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