Olazabal can't see Garcia as the No1

Jose Maria Olazabal does not believe Sergio Garcia should place his hopes too high about claiming Tiger Woods' No1 spot.

Garcia was adamant he is closing the gap after capturing his second US Tour victory on Monday.

But Olazabal, in Cork for the Murphy's Irish Open which began today, said: "Maybe in a few years a guy will come up with the same potential as Woods, but that is going to be very, very difficult.

"Tiger is setting new limits and I don't think we will see someone play at the same level.

"Let's face it, how many players have been able to do what Tiger's done up until now? That gives you pretty much the picture.

"Obviously there is a group of players who are challengers and I would include Sergio in that group, but I don't think you will see any player doing what Tiger did - winning nine or 10 tournaments a year and four Majors in a row. Sergio may be only 21, but Tiger is only 25.

"I said when Sergio started that he had a bright future and he is just proving that. It was just a matter of time and him maturing on and off the course."

Olazabal is a wise old campaigner of 35, and when Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance talks about wanting a mix of experience and youth at The Belfry in September the double Masters champion is obviously somebody who fits in the first category.

Olazabal said: "I would love to make the team, but it's not going to be the end of the world if I don't."