It seemed to be a big boost for the European Ryder Cup team when it was confirmed that Sergio Garcia had rejoined the DP World Tour to open up the possibility of the Spaniard featuring in Luke Donald’s team at Bethpage later this year.
Sergio Garcia‘s hopes of playing in another Ryder Cup appeared to have been dashed following his decision to join LIV Golf. The 45-year-old, of course, is the all-time leading points scorer in the competition’s history.
However, Jon Rahm moving to LIV in 2023 appeared to move the goalposts. Luke Donald now appears to be much more open to picking those plying their trade on LIV. And that seemed to be good news for Rahm’s countryman.
Garcia has to be considered for a spot on the team. Winning an away Ryder Cup has become one of the biggest challenges at the highest level. Garcia was alongside Donald at Medinah in 2012, while he was one of Europe’s only bright sparks during the emphatic defeat at Whistling Straits nine years later.
Sergio Garcia explains why he would turn down a Ryder Cup pick right now
However, Garcia’s form has dropped off lately. He has finished outside the top 40 in LIV’s last two events, while he ended the PGA Championship at seven over par.
And after completing his final round, Garcia admitted that he can forget about the Ryder Cup as things stand.
“It is there if I play better. Obviously the way I’m playing, even if Luke offered me a pick right now, I would tell him no. So obviously I need to get better. I need to get more where I was just before the Masters. You know, just show myself and show everyone that my game is solid, and it can help the Team Europe. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
“The good thing is that there’s still, you know, two or three months until the team is finalized. So you know, I’ll have time to gain some confidence and improve a little bit on my game.”
A familiar rival may stand between Sergio Garcia and a spot on the Ryder Cup team at Bethpage
Obviously, all kinds of factors will be considered when Donald completes his team. But Garcia’s experience is difficult to ignore. That could be particularly valuable on American soil.
In fact, it would not be a surprise to see Garcia battle it out with Justin Rose for that role of the team’s elder statesman in New York.
Having said that, Rose’s form in the majors has been extremely impressive. So Garcia – who beat the Englishman in a playoff to win the 2017 Masters – has got an uphill battle on his hands if that is the case.
Certainly, his form definitely needs to improve after an underwhelming showing at Quail Hollow.
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