Golf

Innisbrook's reputation lured Garcia

He is making his first appearance at the tournament.

By Bob Harig,Times Staff Writer
Published March 8, 2007

PALM HARBOR - Sergio Garcia is making his first appearance at Innisbrook, and it was word of mouth that helped get him here.

The Spaniard never played in the October event because it conflicted with the European tour's finale, played in Spain.

"I heard from a lot of players that it's a very nice golf course," said Garcia, 27, who has six PGA Tour victories and another 10 around the world. "It's the kind of golf course that we enjoy, one that challenges you a little bit, where making pars is not a bad result. It's difficult. The greens are very, very quick. It's a good, challenging course. I think it's a great test the way it is playing."

Rules talk

When Mark Wilson penalized himself two strokes last week at the Honda Classic because his caddie gave "advice," Camilo Villegas found himself in an uncomfortable position. It was Villegas who initially wondered what kind of club (hybrid) Wilson hit. When Wilson's caddie blurted it out, Wilson realized Rule 8-1 had been violated.

There is no rule against looking in another player's bag, but a player can't ask for the information. Nor can another player give it.

"There are a lot of crazy rules, a lot of rules that guys probably have no clue about," said Villegas, who lost to Wilson in a playoff. "I'm going to tell you, I got to take my hat off to Mark. ... Maybe he kind of deserved to win the tournament. It was not his fault; his caddie didn't mean to do anything bad, either."

Around Innisbrook

The PGA Wives Association made a $1,000 contribution and donated household goods, clothing and other items to Sunrise of Pasco County, a domestic violence and sexual assault center that shelters some 275 women and children each year. The association makes a donation at each tour stop. ... John Daly withdrew from the pro-am after five holes but told officials he will try to play today. Daly injured his shoulder and back last week after he tried to halt his swing when distracted by a fan taking a photo. ... The team led by pro Brad Faxon had the lowest score in the morning portion of the pro-am, shooting 14-under 57. Faxon's amateur partners were Jim Sochacki, Larry Farmer and Bump Faircloth. Jonathan Byrd's team led the afternoon with 11-under 60. His amateur partners were Steve Hand, Chris Anselmo and Kevin McEnerney. ... Ben Crane withdrew (back injury) and was replaced by Paul Gow.

Bob Harig, Times staff writer

[Last modified March 8, 2007, 00:52:41]