Sergio Garcia. Saudi International 2023/Paul Severn

True to his word, Sergio Garcia is back to his best and back to prove he can still deliver on the big stage.

Following successful surgery on his left knee after the LIV Golf Team Championship finale at Trump Doral in Miami late last year, the Spaniard is fighting fit for a new campaign, and shot and impressive five-under during the opening round of the Saudi International on Thursday to get right into contention from the off.

RELATED: Garcia stands tall on return to action

Starting on the 10th tee, the Spanish 43-year-old, was faced with the trickier, windier back nine to begin with, before finding his rhythm after the turn. An early bogey was then offset by six birdies as Garcia signed for an opening 65 on the par-70 course to sit two off the lead of Abraham Ancer.

“It was actually calmer than I thought at the beginning,” the 2017 Master champion said. “Then obviously got windy like it always happens here.

“I feel like I played well and gave myself a lot of good chances. I needed patience the front nine — which was 10 to 18 for me — as I had some good opportunities that didn’t go in, and then on the back nine I was able to make a couple of nice putts for birdie and a couple of decent saves.

Garcia heads to Al Mouj for the Asian Tour International Series next week, and is looking forward to a return to Oman.

“I think I came there probably about 10 or 12 years ago,” he said. “I think they has just opened the course, and we took a quick look at it. But I’m looking forward to see it.

“After three months off and the knee surgery and everything, I think it was important to get some good rounds in before going into Mexico [for LIV Golf] and then coming in the Masters.”