This Ryder Cup rule may squash Sergio Garcia’s captaincy desires

Sergio Garcia was all the time destined to be a Ryder Cup captain.

However the Spanish star’s resolution to hitch LIV Golf in 2022 and surrender his DP World Tour membership in 2023 will probably stop him — in addition to fellow Europeans Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood — from having any management roles for the European group.

In accordance with a report from the Telegraph‘s James Corrigan, the DP World Tour handed a rule in 2018 that “gamers can’t be a European Ryder Cup Captain or Vice Captain if they refuse membership of the European Tour or fail to satisfy their minimal occasion obligation in any season.”

Garcia has paid over 1 million euros in fines and rejoined the DP World Tour in an effort to be eligible for the European group for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black; Westwood and Poulter haven’t accomplished so.

European captain Luke Donald has beforehand instructed that Garcia may be a vice captain this fall. However the European skipper modified his tune on the Crew Cup in Abu Dhabi final week.

“The principles should change if Sergio is to be an assistant,” Donald stated, per the Telegraph. “So I haven’t thought a lot about it, as a result of that state of affairs shouldn’t be at present allowed.”

The DP World Tour may axe the rule relying on how and if the golf world finally comes collectively. But it surely’s unlikely that may occur in time for the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Garcia, who’s 44, is Europe’s all-time Ryder Cup factors chief and has been a stalwart for 20 years. In accordance with Knowledge Golf, he was the Twenty second-best golfer on the planet in 2024 when LIV’s season ended, rating him alongside Wyndham Clark and Tom Kim. Knowledge Golf additionally ranked Garcia because the eighth-best European golfer, proper behind Shane Lowry. In 2024, Garcia received the LIV occasion in Spain and completed runner-up in three different LIV begins. He’s ranked No. 441 on the planet, based on the OWGR.

The European group may use Garcia this fall at Bethpage Black, the place he completed fourth on the 2002 U.S. Open.

A Class 1 DP World Tour member, Garcia is eligible to play in any DP occasion he needs as soon as his suspension is lifted.

However Garcia’s desires of enjoying in his eleventh Ryder Cup will hinge on his capacity to earn one in every of Donald’s six captain’s picks.

Because of the suspension and LIV’s 14-week schedule, Garcia received’t have sufficient alternatives to qualify for the group on factors. He’s certified to play within the Masters as a former champion however isn’t a lock to be within the discipline on the different three majors. The PGA of America didn’t give Garcia a particular exemption final yr; he should qualify for the U.S. Open and Open Championship.

Actions have penalties. And, no less than for now, Garcia’s will value him the prospect to captain the blue and gold. However that, like all the pieces within the higher echelon of professional golf, is topic to alter.

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