[Photo: Octavio Passos]
Add Sergio Garcia’s name to the growing list of golfers who will not be taking their talents to LIV 2.0. But where he could ultimately wind up might surprise some.
The 46-year-old Spaniard announced his intentions via a message shared on social media on Thursday.
“Next season I’ll be playing on the DP World Tour,” Garcia said in the statement. “This tour has been a huge part of my career from the very beginning, and I’m proud to call it home again. I’m also keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour.”
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It’s that last sentence that has prompted some reaction as many have pointed out Garcia didn’t leave the PGA Tour on the best terms. In his final regular PGA Tour start in 2022 before leaving for LIV, Garcia got into a rules dispute during which mics picked him up saying, “I can’t wait to leave this tour… just a couple more weeks until I don’t have to deal with you anymore.”
The next month, Garcia played in the first-ever LIV event. Here’s the viral video from the 2022 Wells Fargo Championship:
So, if Sergio does play his way back onto the PGA Tour at some point, well, awkward! But that’s not all! He had a similar blow-up on the DP World Tour a month after the Wells Fargo incident. During the BMW International, “Sergio flew off the handle, shouting ‘This tour is s–t, you’re all f–ked, should have taken the Saudi money’,” wrote the Daily Telegraph. “Bob MacIntyre was there and was disgusted.”
In Thursday’s statement, Garcia added, “And probably the most exciting part for me is strengthening personal relationships, both new and old.”
Not surprisingly, Garcia also mentioned the Ryder Cup, which he hasn’t been involved with since leaving for LIV. He is the all-time leading point-earner in the event.
“It’s a big year ahead with the Ryder Cup, and I’m going to work my tail off for every chance I can get at more majors and the biggest events in the game,” Garcia continued. “Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team, and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be.”
The 11-time PGA Tour winner and 2017 Masters champion also acknowledged his poor behaviour from April at Augusta National.
“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,” Garcia wrote.
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