Rejuvenated Garcia upbeat ahead of Castello Masters

Castello Masters tournament host Sergio Garcia said he's shaken his inner demons and is enthusiastic to capture the Spanish event which starts Thursday for a second time in four years.

Garcia captured the inaugural 2008 edition on the Club de Campo Mediterranean course laid out in an extinct volcano where he grew up.

But while the walls of the clubhouse are a tribute to the winning efforts of the now 30-year old Garcia this time last year the club's favourite golfing son was at his lowest ever ebb.

Garcia had recently broken-up from girlfriend Morgan-Leigh Norman, only daughter of double British Open winning Greg Norman, while he had failed to qualify for the European Ryder Cup side for a first occasion in five straight appearances.

"There were things outside of golf last year that affected me and we all know what they were," he said.

"When things didn't come together for me I was down on myself and that was being reflected in my golf.

"But I came out this year feeling very different and I felt at ease with myself as the year went on."

"I gain a lot more confidence so the 'mojo' is back," he says laughing.

"If you asked if my game is 100 percent I would say it is 100 percent and it's getting better."

Garcia is returning to competiting in Europe for a first time since losing a play-off in June to fellow Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal for the BMW International Open title in Munich.

A week prior to that Garcia had finished seventh to Rory McIlroy in the US Open and he was then ninth a month later in the Open Championship.

However it's a fortnight short of three years since the current World No.49 last won a tournament and that was the 2008 HSBC Champions being staged in a fortnight in Shanghai.

"I feel a lot different this year compared to last year as last year I was struggling mentally and my golf just wasn't there," he said.

"But this year I feel totally different and that I have wanted to try things extra hard to do well.

"I went close to another victory in Munich and while it was disappointing to lose, it was great to again be in contention.

"I've had a couple of weeks off and I feel totally recharged and refreshed."

And Garcia will ease his way into the event once again having Tennis World No. 1 Rafa Nadal as one of his Pro-Am partners.

"It's kind of an anniversary thing as this will be the third year Rafa and I have played the pro-am here together," said Garcia.

"We won the first year we played together. He likes his golf very much and I like all sports including tennis, and I like watching him play.

"So it's a great way to start what will hopefully be a great week."

Garcia will play the opening two rounds in the company of defending Matteo Manassero and exciting young Englishman Tom Lewis who captured last week's Portugal Masters in only his third event as a pro.