Garcia, who no longer automatically qualifies for the British Open and has seen his ranking plummet in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) since joining LIV Golf , is now vying for one of four spots available in Final Qualifying over 36 holes at West Lancashire.
Despite challenging conditions , Garcia was one-over-par through nine holes. However, his performance was not without controversy as he clashed with event officials over crowd control.
The LIV star, who attracted a large crowd on the Wirral, expressed dissatisfaction with how the spectators were being managed. "It should be organized better," he was heard saying after his group received a warning for slow play.
Although visibly upset, the former Masters champion persevered amidst the swirling winds of the West Lancashire course. He appeared frustrated on the par-four 15th when his birdie attempt fell around five feet short, leaving him with a difficult putt for par.
The Fireballs captain, having regained his composure, scored four but seemed dissatisfied with the previous attempt. However, this didn't prevent the often passionate Spaniard from showing his kind side, as he spotted a young fan on his way to the 16th and gave him his ball.
With renewed energy, Garcia flawlessly played the par-five 16th, reaching the green in two before two-putting for a much-needed birdie to return to level-par for the day. He then found himself in a tricky spot on the par-three 17th a hole later, with his tee shot ending up towards the back of a bunker on the left of the green.
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However, he followed up with an excellent wedge shot, before cleaning up for his par. He even managed another birdie, after sinking a fantastic putt from around 10 feet at the 18th to ensure he finished his opening round at one-under-par with 18 holes remaining.
Another lucky fan was waiting too, as Garcia gifted another ball souvenir to a youngster watching as he left the final green.
Garcia is vying for one of four spots available for the trip to Royal Troon later this month and isn't the only LIV Golf star playing on the Wirral. He's joined by Englishman Sam Horsfield, who's in a strong position at three-under-par and tied for the lead.
Meanwhile, Torque GC's Carlos Ortiz is at even-par at the halfway point, while Kieran Vincent is at two-over.
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