Fans Show Sergio Garcia Love Ahead Of Players Championship 2017

Sergio Garcia was treated to loud cheers and support from fans during a nine-hole practice round at TPC Sawgrass in Florida on Wednesday, the day before the start of the Players Championship.

Fans Cheer Sergio Garcia Before Players Championship 2017

The 37-year-old Spaniard, who won the Masters at Augusta National last month by defeating Justin Rose in a contentious playoff, was beaming as fans across the course at Ponte Vedra Beach yelled at him “Sergio!” and “Congratulations on the Masters!” according to GolfChannel.com’s Ryan Lavner.

Garcias has been scorned by fans at the Players Championship in previous years. In 2013, spectators cheered his two water balls on the notorious par-3 17th in 2013 following his infamous flap with Tiger Woods. Two years later, the Spaniard was ruthlessly mocked again in Florida after losing in a playoff.

Much like the fans, however, Garcia appears to have put all that behind him and says he appreciates the encouragement not just from spectators at Sawgrass, but all around the globe.

“The support from fans and supporters and everyone around the world has been amazing,” he said.

Garcia went on to describe how he believes the love from all the supporters — except for one couple whose names he did not reveal — was genuine

“For me, what has meant the most, it’s to see the reaction from the players, you know, towards me and how happy — other than a couple — how happy they all have been,” the 2008 Players Championship winner told reporters with a chuckle.

“They’ve been so happy for me to get my first major and win the Masters,” added Garcia, the world’s sixth-ranked golfer. “That, to me, shows a lot. It shows me how much my fellow players respect me and care about me. It’s something that you can’t really fake, so that’s awesome.’’

Garcia will start his 18th straight Players Championship at 1:41 pm EST on Thursday alongside Adam Scott and Matt Kuchar. 

Prior to his Masters triumph, Garcia had played in 70 major championships as a pro, with 19 top-10 finishes.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 10: Sergio Garcia of Spain in action during a practice round ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 10, 2017 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)