Friday, July 29, 2005

Garcia to Return to the International

By Tom Kensler
Denver Post Staff Writer

The International just wasn't the same last year without Sergio Garcia attracting a stampede of young fans as if he were a rock star.

Well, he's back. On Thursday, Garcia confirmed a commitment that he announced during the U.S. Open in June, letting International officials know he would return to Castle Pines next week. Garcia, 25, skipped last year's event to practice for the PGA Championship. He had played in five consecutive Internationals since turning professional in 1999.

Garcia won the Booz Allen Classic in June, his sixth PGA Tour victory, and tied for fifth in the British Open two weeks ago. He ranks seventh on the PGA Tour money list.

"Sergio has a huge following and has been playing some of his best golf this year," said Larry Thiel, executive director of The International.

Also committing Thursday were two-time British Open champion Greg Norman, who won the 1989 International; another two-time majors winner, Mark O'Meara; and Steve Pate, who was granted a sponsor's exemption.

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