Reuters

After three winless years, Sergio Garcia questioned himself at the Madrid Masters last year as to whether he would ever regain the form and promise he showed at Medinah in 1999 during his epic duel with Tiger Woods.

Back-to-back wins at the Castello Masters and the Andalucia Masters have put Garcia’s game back on the map. After winning last week in Valencia by 11, some were a hesitant to shower praise on the 31-year-old Spaniard because the tournament was played on his home course. However, a win at Valderrama, a course on which El Nino has repeatedly come up short, proves that Garcia is ready to step back into the golfing elite.

“I’m out of words,” Garcia said. “It’s been two amazing weeks.”

Garcia entered the final round two shots clear of his nearest competitor, friend and fellow countryman Miguel Angel Jimenez. Jimenez picked up two early birdies to draw even with Garcia through four holes. Although Jimenez bogeyed the 5th hole, Garcia dropped two shots of his on the 6th and 7th holes to give MAJ the lead by himself.

Garcia played the next seven holes in 2-under par thanks to birdies on the 11th and 14th. Unfortunately for Jimenez, since taking over the lead on the 8th tee, he played the next eight holes in 2-over giving Garcia a three-shot cushion with three to play.

Jimenez kept the pressure on Garcia, not making his second win in as many weeks a walk in the park. Jimenez birdied the 16th hole and missed an eagle putt on 17 that would have tied him with Garcia, settling for a birdie and a one-shot deficit.

Garcia didn’t want to take any chances on the 72nd hole, forcing MAJ to come and get him. A solid drive gave way to a less-than-great approach that Garcia was forced to get up-and-down.

“On 18, we decided to play a little more conservative and make sure we hit the fairway, then the chip was just amazing. I thought it was going in. I’ve been in that situation three or four times on this course. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in my ability. To be able to hit the chip I hit there and roll the putt in with the pressure, it was nice”

Jimenez reached the green in regulation with a decent look at birdie from 15 feet, but he was unable to convert. Garcia, after hitting a great chip, calmly sank his par putt for the one-stroke victory.

“I’d been in this situation three or four times here but finally it all came right,” Garcia said of coming up short at Valderrama. ”Miguel fought so hard, but I hung in there tough. I didn’t feel as good as last week but I believed in my ability to get it done.”

Garcia’s consecutive victories not only cashed a total of $1.147 million, but also moved Garcia back into the top 20 in the world rankings, coming in at No. 18, which qualifies him for the HSBC Champions this week in China. Deservedly, Garcia has decided to forego the invitation and take the week off to relax and celebrate.

As always with Garcia, the Ryder Cup points are a big deal to him and with his wins, he is in first place for the European squad in 2012.

“The last two weeks have been so positive for me,” Garcia said. ”The Ryder Cup has always been so very special to me so I’m going to keep fighting to make sure I qualify.”

If El Nino can export his play from his home country, there should be no doubt about him qualifying next year. His recent form brings up the question that has haunted Garcia his entire career, can he win a major?

We have to wait for another six months to see if Garcia has the game for Augusta, but it’s always nice to see the old Sergio show up.