Garcia - desperate for victory. (Getty Images)

Sergio Garcia has achieved the same number of victories in America as Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. And he is still only 25.

What Garcia has not done, of course, is include a major in his six wins - but this week he aims to put that right by following up his two-shot success in the Booz Allen Classic at the US Open.

The Pinehurst event is Garcia's 27th attempt at a major and the third time he has gone into it on the back of a win.

"They should just move the US Open one week earlier," he joked. "It's one of those things.

"I guess I have had the chance of playing great courses the week before the US Open, Westchester twice and also here at the Congressional. It is the tougher courses I feel good playing.

"I feel I can roll the ball nicely on the greens. I'm hoping I can get it going like this week and give myself a chance."

A putting tip earlier in the week from second-placed Adam Scott proved the key, Garcia taking only 24 in his closing 65.

"Sometimes you don't even have to stroke it well, you just make it with your mind. It definitely helped and it's something I'm going to keep working on and hopefully I can keep getting better and better," he added.

"For the past three years it's been my downside. The week where I putt more or less okay and I have a chance of winning or I win, but some weeks it feels like I can't make putts.

"Mainly it was hitting short putts. Don't worry about the stroke or anything, just worry about seeing the ball going in the hole and getting in your head that the ball is going to go in the hole."

Asked if he was feeling pressure about winning a major he answered: "No, not at all. I know it's just a matter of having the right week.

"I guess it's easier to win a normal tour event mentally-wise. You play 18 or 20 events throughout and you have a better percentage of winning. The majors, if you don't play well that week it's over.

"I'm not worried at the moment. I know that I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. I don't know when, but it's just a matter of time. I'm just going to wait for it and be calm on the course and let it happen.

"The most important thing is believing in yourself. The only guy who can help you out on the course is yourself.

"It's going to be difficult, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. I'm confident, but we'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, Annika Sorenstam is celebrating her ninth major win, her third LPGA Championship in a row - and reaching halfway in her bid for the Grand Slam. Or "Soren Slam" as it has been dubbed.

The Swede, winner of the Kraft Nabisco by eight shorts in March, cruised to a three-stroke victory over 15-year-old Michelle Wie at Havre de Grace.

"I have some really lofty goals and to come here and feel pressure, not just from myself, but from everyone, to come here and play so well for four days, obviously, I'm very happy to win and make this another victory," she said.

The third leg is next week's US Open at Cherry Hills in Colorado.

I'm going to have a week off and I'll totally rest. I need to rest," added Sorenstam. "I worked hard for this and I want to enjoy it.

"I know it's going to be a lot of pressure. That's the goal I set and if I want to achieve my goal that's what I will have to accept.

"I do have to pinch myself sometimes when I look at my results. I mean, I feel like I'm just a little girl from Sweden who came over here to follow my dreams and hope to win a few golf tournaments.

"When I look at my results (63 wins in America, including six out of eight this year) I get overwhelmed, definitely. I just feel like sometimes 'have I really done this? Is it really true?'

"You can't take anything for granted. I'm playing some good golf. I have this whole year and the last few years. I'm thankful for every victory I get."