Sergio Garcia is contemplating rejoining the DP World Tour to become eligible for the upcoming Ryder Cup, as confirmed by Europe captain Luke Donald. Garcia had resigned his membership in May 2023 following a ruling by an arbitration panel in favour of the DP World Tour, allowing them to fine and suspend players who participated in LIV Golf events without authorisation. The DP World Tour disclosed that Garcia was the only player out of 17 initially sanctioned who had not paid his £100,000 fine nor indicated any intention to do so.
Reports emerged that Garcia reacted angrily in the locker room at the BMW International in Munich when the sanctions were first imposed, leading witness Robert MacIntyre to express his loss of respect for the Masters champion on social media. Donald revealed during an event in New York, marking less than a year until the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage, that Garcia is mulling over rejoining the DP World Tour. Donald emphasised that Garcia would need to abide by all regulations and rules like any other player to be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
Garcia would need to apply for membership once more and address what are believed to be significant sanctions before being able to compete in the necessary four regular DP World Tour events. If chosen for the Ryder Cup team, the 44-year-old could face a challenging reception from the crowd at Bethpage, as witnessed during the 2002 US Open, where spectators taunted him during his play.
US captain Keegan Bradley mentioned that organisers would have monitors within the ropes at Bethpage to ensure a fair and respectful environment for both teams, acknowledging the passionate and intense nature of New York sports fans. Bradley, who secured the winning point at the recent Presidents Cup, envisions the possibility of being a playing captain at Bethpage but is concentrating on his current role without extensive planning for such a scenario at this stage.
As preparations for the Ryder Cup intensify, the prospect of Garcia rejoining the DP World Tour adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming event, promising an electrifying competition for players and fans alike.