Sergio Garcia almost won a major last summer when he took Padraig Harrington to a play-off for The Open at Carnoustie. Last month, the Spaniard did win an almost-major when he triumphed in the Players' Championship, the most prestigious tournament outside of the big four.

What Garcia will attempt to do over the next four days is take 'almost' out of the equation by winning the US Open at Torrey Pines near San Diego.

The 28-year-old Ryder Cup star has carried his form to the west coast with fourth place last weekend in the St Jude Championship and he is eager to shed the mantle of being the best player never to have won a major.

For many - think Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke - that tag has tended to prove a mental negative. But Garcia said: "I've tried to make a positive out of it. Like anyone, my goal is to win tournaments, win majors, try to become the best player I can be."

It is a measured approach that hasn't always been evident from one of golf 's more emotional individuals.

But 'El Nino', the boy, has grown up and at last he might be ready to fulfil his potential to become a consistent challenger to world No1 Tiger Woods.

"I've matured," said Garcia. "I've got to know myself better as a golfer, as a person, and I can control myself better.

"Winning the Players' Championship was huge. Any time you win a big event like that it gives you extra confidence. I now know that coming down the stretch I've done it in a big event against a tough field on a difficult course."

They won't come more difficult than the spectacular coast-hugging South course at Torrey Pines which, at 7,643 yards, is the longest in major championship history.

According to Harrington, that does not mean it plays into the hands of the big hitters. "Length won't be as big an issue as it could be," said the 36-year-old Dubliner. "The shorter, straighter hitters are going to hit more fairways."

Never mind winning, Gary Wolstenholme's target is simply to make the weekend. The twice British Amateur champion, first reserve for a tee-off time, learned only yesterday he was in the field after American Sean O'Hair withdrew with a pulled chest muscle.

The 47-year-old from Surrey managed to scramble in one practice round, although he set out so late that a volunteer had to ferry him in a cart for the last few holes, which he played in near darkness.

Wolstenholme said: "Reserves aren't allowed practice rounds so it was critical to see what clubs to hit and what different shots you have to make. If I make the cut it would be one of the great achievements of my career."
• Live on Sky Sports 1, 6pm