SHANGHAI, China (AP) -- Sergio Garcia's playoff victory over Oliver Wilson in the HSBC Champions last fall officially gave the Spaniard a career-high No. 2 world ranking.

And now, as he prepares to launch his 2009 campaign, Garcia also has some unfinished business after passing Phil Mickelson in the rankings: winning his first major and, even more difficult, challenging Tiger Woods for No. 1.

"I think my next goal is trying to win a major," Garcia said. "Well, we've been trying for quite a while.

"Attacking No. 1 probably depends a little bit on how much he takes off and if I keep playing well," Garcia added. "It's possible, mainly because he's been injured. ... I've never been this close to No. 1, so it's exciting to be there."

Last year was probably been Garcia's best season, due partly to improved putting.

He won The Players Championship on the PGA Tour and the Castellon Masters on the European Tour, and finished second or tied for second in three events. One was the PGA Championship, one of the four majors.

"It's been a very solid year," Garcia said. "I had some hard losses, but we came back strong and (finished) the year very nicely."

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved.