Garcia targets Ryder Cup return as he confirms LIV exit

Sergio Garcia won two individual titles in five seasons with LIV Golf and was captain of the Fireballs GC team

Sergio Garcia has become the latest big name to quit LIV Golf while targeting a return to Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

The one-time major champion said he will play on the Europe-based DP World Tour in 2027.

“This tour has been a huge part of my career from the beginning and I’m proud to call it home again,” he said in a statement on social media., external

The 46-year-old Spaniard added: “I’m also keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour.”

Garcia won a combined 27 titles on the American and European circuits between 1999 and 2020, including the 2017 Masters.

He joined LIV in June 2022 after it launched as a Saudi Arabia-backed project but the former world number two will not be part of the second phase of the breakaway circuit.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April – having invested more than $5bn (£3.8bn) – leading to LIV filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month.

The league has secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing to try to move forward with ‘LIV 2.0’ but only a handful of players have so far committed to the proposed competition in 2027.

Garcia follows top players Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell in announcing his departure.

Why Garcia faces awkward reunion

It took 74 events for Sergio Garcia to claim his first – and so far only – major title in 2017

In his statement, Garcia added that “the most exciting part for me is strengthening personal relationships, both new and old”.

Garcia was sanctioned by the DP World Tour for breaking its rules when he defected to LIV, making him ineligible for the 2023 Ryder Cup.

The event’s record points scorer had to settle outstanding fines – reported to be more than £1m – in order to be eligible for the 2025 edition, although ultimately he was not selected.

After helping Europe to six wins from 10 Ryder Cup appearances, he now hopes to return to their camp at Ireland’s Adare Manor next year as a player or vice-captain.

“Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team, and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be,” he said.

However, according to the current tour rules, while Garcia is eligible to play again, he cannot serve as a future captain or vice-captain.

Garcia may also face an awkward reunion with the PGA Tour.

Just before leaving for LIV in 2022, he told a rules official at the Wells Fargo Championship: “I can’t wait to leave this tour. A couple more weeks and I won’t have to deal with you any more.”

He has remained eligible to play in majors and after hitting a poor shot at this year’s Masters, Garcia ⁠slammed his driver into the Augusta turf and hit a nearby cooler, snapping the ​head ⁠off his club.

He apologised at the time and has now added: “There are some great tournaments around the world to play before Augusta next April, and I can’t wait to get back to the Masters.

“I left Augusta last year disappointed with myself and my actions, and I’m ready to show what I’ve learned and where I am mentally.

“Augusta has given me some of the greatest moments of my life, and I’d love nothing more than to chase another green jacket at such a special place.”

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