Did Sergio Garcia Make a Last-Ditch Attempt to Play in This Year’s Ryder Cup?
European Golfer Offers to Pay Fines for a Chance to Compete
In a surprising turn of events, Sergio Garcia, the renowned European golfer, reportedly made a last-ditch effort to secure a spot in this year’s Ryder Cup. According to a DP World Tour official, Garcia, through his representatives, offered to pay a staggering sum of approximately 700,000 pounds in fines, hoping to be allowed to compete for European captain Luke Donald’s 12-man squad in Rome.
The Telegraph’s James Corrigan, who received this information from the DP World Tour official, revealed that the offer was ultimately declined by the DPWT. The organization stated that there was simply no viable path back in time for the matches at Marco Simone, scheduled to commence on September 29.
The official further disclosed, “They also said they’d play in whatever events we wanted, apart from those that clashed with the remaining LIV tournaments. But it was explained that, despite the ongoing peace talks, as he had resigned his membership, he is not eligible to join until next year. It was all a bit bizarre as that was made clear all along.”
Interestingly, the source also revealed that Garcia is the only former DPWT member who defected to LIV Golf and has yet to pay his original 100,000-pound fine. Garcia made the decision to resign his DPWT membership back in May, which has seemingly complicated his chances of participating in this year’s Ryder Cup.
It is worth noting that neither Garcia nor the DPWT has responded to The Telegraph’s request for comment, leaving fans and golf enthusiasts curious about the golfer’s perspective on the matter.
Garcia, 43, boasts an impressive Ryder Cup record, having played in 10 career tournaments and being part of six winning teams. With a remarkable individual record of 25 wins, 13 losses, and 7 draws, Garcia has earned a total of 28.5 points, setting a Ryder Cup record. At the 2021 Ryder Cup, he secured three points, second only to Jon Rahm on Team Europe. Rahm has been a vocal supporter of Garcia’s inclusion in this year’s squad, stating, “I think it would be really stupid for anybody not to lean on Sergio Garcia’s experience in the Ryder Cup.”