Garcia unable to explain major deficiency

CHASKA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Sergio Garcia has been one of the world's best golfers for a decade but a major title remains elusive and the Spaniard is at a loss to explain why.

Garcia exploded on the scene as a 19-year-old when he pushed winner Tiger Woods all the way at the 1999 U.S. PGA Championship.

"What is missing? I don't know. I think if I were to aim a putt an inch farther right, nothing would have been missing in one of them," he said referring to the 2007 British Open where a missed par attempt at the last deprived him of victory.

Garcia's agonizing miss at Carnoustie dropped him into a tie with Padraig Harrington, who then beat him in a playoff.

Nine times he has finished in the top five in majors, including another runner-up finish behind Harrington at last year's PGA.

Garcia also has seven PGA Tour wins, eight European Tour victories, been on five Ryder Cup teams and is ranked sixth in the world.

"The only thing I can do is keep giving myself chances and keep believing I am capable of winning one, not only one," Garcia told reporters on the eve of the 91st PGA Championship.

"I know if I do that it will happen sometime.

"I'm happy the way I've developed as a player. I'm looking forward to keep getting better and keep giving myself good chances," he added.

"I think when I'm playing well there's nothing missing."

Garcia delighted galleries with his exuberance at the 1999 PGA, creating an indelible memory with a spectacular six-iron approach off tree roots on the last day that he ran after, launching into a scissors kick before seeing the ball settle on the green.

"After '99 I didn't come home and say, 'oh, because of what I did at the PGA I should win eight majors in the next six or seven years'," said Garcia.

"No, you try to play your best and give yourself chances and win as many as you can. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't.

"I had my chances. Unfortunately I haven't taken them. I still love playing golf," he said.

(Editing by Alison Wildey)