Sergio Garcia sees success beyond Masters

Sergio Garcia believes he can win more of golf's biggest prizes after finally claiming his first major title at the 74th attempt in an unforgettable Masters.

Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia

Sergio Garcia believes his breakthrough at the Masters can be the springboard to more success. (AAP)

Sergio Garcia believes his popular breakthrough at the Masters can be the springboard to more success after years of major championships near-misses and doubt.

Garcia awoke on Monday after only about four hours sleep following prolonged celebrations of his green jacket triumph at Augusta National, and he did not intend to stop enjoying it any time soon.

"The party was good," chuckled the Spaniard in an interview with Golf Digest on Monday.

"Everything that happened it has been an amazing experience ... now I just have to enjoy it as much as possible."

Garcia was still coming to terms with becoming a major champion, a feat which will push him up to No.7 in the world rankings.

"I don't know if it hasn't sunk in or something but it doesn't feel that different. Obviously I am very proud but I feel like the same guy ... I haven't changed."

The 37-year-old was wearing his green jacket, though it appeared a bit fit than the one he was presented with after becoming just the third Spaniard to win the Masters after his idols Seve Ballesteros (1980, 1983) and Jose Maria Olazabal (1994,1999).

He was asked whether he would also wear the jacket for his July wedding year to his fiancee, Golf Channel reporter and former US college player Angela Akins.

"I don't know, I guess Angela and I have to talk about that," he laughed.

Garcia has credited his relationship with helping the positive attitude which delivered him a maiden major title at his 74th attempt - and after four runner-up finishes - when he beat England's Justin Rose in a playoff.

Having already been on tour for about 18 years, he told reporters that, while he wasn't getting any younger, he still had "so much room for improvement".

"Obviously I'm 37. I'm not 22 or 25 any more, but I feel I still have a lot of great years in me and I'm excited for those.

"Everybody that is around me is helping me, making me not only a better golfer but a better person.

"It's not easy, because I know how much of a hard-headed man I can be sometimes, but it's been great."

Garcia said he was even more delighted to have won on the day the legendary Ballesteros - the winner of five major titles - would have celebrated turning 60.

"I wish he could have been there with me," he said.


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Source: AAP



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