The all-time leading points scorer in Ryder Cup history is not ruling out a return to the event.
After missing out in the 2023 event in Rome, Sergio Garcia said that he hopes to be able to be a part of the team as the European squad looks to defend its title at Bethpage Black in 2025.
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Garcia said in an interview with Golfweek:
“Hopefully, things will kind of settle and, you know, we’ll see where everything sits at the end, and hopefully, they just give us the possibility — all of us — to be a part of it again if we’re playing well enough. We’ll see where that settles in the near future.”
Sergio Garcia teases Ryder Cup return as LIV Golf decision looms https://t.co/urXpLVRbbj
— Mirror US Sports (@MirrorUSSports) March 28, 2024
Garcia – along with LIV Golf members Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood – resigned from the DP World Tour last year instead of paying hefty fines for playing in LIV events, which made them ineligible for last year’s event against the United States.
Under the current rules, Garcia would have to rejoin the DP World Tour and pay the fines. But he’s hoping that whatever comes out of the framework agreement among the PGA Tour, DPWT and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, that will give a pathway for some golfers to be eligible once again.
After Jon Rahm joined LIV, Rory McIlroy said that there should be a pathway for LIV pros to become eligible for the European team – much like Brooks Koepka was for the U.S. last year. But the PGA Tour and DPWT have different eligibility rules for the Ryder Cup.
If he’s unable to play, Garcia sounded comfortable with his legacy of earning 28.5 points in the competition.
Throwback to the 2016 Ryder Cup where Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia tied their singles match. They combined for 19 birdies and both shot 63. Truly one of the best singles matches in Ryder Cup history.
pic.twitter.com/Nopll75mhW
— Tour Pro (@OfficialTourPro) September 25, 2023
“I look at it two ways. If I’m not able to play anymore it’ll be a little bit sad, but at the same time, I look at it that I’ve played many, many times. I’ve been successful in it both individually and as a team. So that’s what I take from it,” Garcia said.
As the sides continue to negotiate, veteran golfer Paul Casey, who is also now with LIV, said that the Ryder Cup should be used as a way to bring men’s pro golf back together.
Cover Image via Golf