THE OPEN RELATED STORIES The Open Home Page The Open Scores Round 4: Padraig Harrington wins Open in playoff Round 4: Late bogeys cost Romero The Open Round 4: No final round charge from Tiger Woods Round 4: Richard Green equals course record Round 4: 18th at Carnoustie strikes again Round 3: Sergio Garcia in sight of first major title Round 3: Justin Rose boosted by round of 67 Round 3: Late problems cost Ian Poulter dear Round 3: Tiger Woods shoots 69 but still eight back Round 3: Chris DiMarco back in the mix after a 65 Round 3: Steve Stricker shoots course record Round 2: Sergio Garcia holds on to lead on Friday Round 2: Rory McIlroy claims Silver Medal Round 2: Garcia not bothered when he wins major Round 2: Phil Mickelson struggles and misses cut Round 2: Tiger Woods still in the hunt despite 74 Round 2: Weir jumps into contention with round of 68 Round 1: Sergio Garcia leads with opening 65 Round 1: David Howell happy with eventful 72 Round 1: KJ Choi happy despite late bogeys Round 1: Inspired Michael Campbell shoots 68 Round 1: Ruling overshadows Tiger's round Round 1: Last minute tip helps McGinley to a 67 Round 1: Amateur Rory McIlroy scores a 68 Top 20 favourites for the Open Tiger Woods targets third straight Open title Paul Lawrie returns to site of famous victory Colin Montgomerie backs European winner Draw for first & second rounds Seve Ballesteros retires from golf Jean Van de Velde suffering from unknown illness Wild weather day at Carnoustie Jim Furyk enjoys his low profile Phil Mickelson not worried about driving problems Peter Fowler aims to get career back on track Nick Faldo fears for "nice" Europeans No distractions for Tiger Woods Paul Lawrie still not getting credit for Open win Jose Maria Olazabal withdraws from the Open Rod Pampling seeks to change Carnoustie luck Sergio Garcia unhappy with Scottish weather Weather biggest factor in how Carnoustie will play Gary Player says some players take steriods Justin Rose seeks to break European drought Quotations about the Open Championship Course Guide: Carnoustie 2007 European Tour Schedule GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Golf Breaks to Portugal & Ireland Half Price Golf Vouchers InstructaCard - your portable pro! The Father & Son Golf Ch'ship Golf Insurance

Sergio Garcia says not bothered when he wins a major

Sergio Garcia was on course to capture his first major title after taking a three-shot clubhouse lead in the British Open on Friday but insisted such a breakthrough was not important to him.

When asked in a news conference after his second-round 71 when he was likely to win his first major, the 27-year-old Garcia said: "I'm always going to say the same thing: I'm not bothered. I don't really care.

"I'm trying, I can tell you that. I'm trying to win as many majors as I can.

"Sometimes you play well and you still don't win. Last year I managed to shoot 23-under in the last two majors and didn't win."

Last year Garcia's third round 65 at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, England, left him only a stroke behind the eventual winner Tiger Woods going into the final round.

However, a closing 73, playing alongside Woods, saw another major chance go begging and he ended tied fifth.

Garcia was happy his putting has improved by switching to a belly-putter even though he admitted he fleetingly thought it should be banned.

"I guess it did cross my mind when there was all the talk and I was happy with my short putter.

"I guess things change and whatever helps the game ... I think the better guys play the more exciting the game is.

"If it helps, like I think it's helping me, I'm not going to change it."

Garcia said he would love another chance of playing in the final group on Sunday with Woods: "I'd love to. If I play well enough to get into the last group and he plays well enough too, it will be fun to do."

The leader may be assured of plenty of support if he is taking on the world No 1 and holder.

"Last year the applause I got (at Hoylake in the final round) playing with Tiger, I mean I didn't have a chance of winning.

"My caddie looked at me and said: 'If I didn't know better I'd say you're leading the tournament'.

"I'm just hoping that I can keep doing well and give them things to cheer for."