Sergio Garcia leaving LIV Golf, says he will play DP World Tour in 2027

Sergio Garcia is leaving LIV Golf, according to BBC Sport and Reuters.

Garcia said he will play on the DP World Tour in 2027. He is seeking a place on Europe's Ryder Cup team. He also said he is keeping open the option of returning to the PGA Tour. He is not the first prominent player to announce a departure from LIV Golf.

Context reported by BBC Sport

According to BBC Sport, Garcia announced the move in a statement on social media. It reports that he will not take part in the second phase of LIV Golf, known as "LIV 2.0" and planned for 2027. BBC Sport says Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell have already announced their departures. It adds that only a handful of players have committed to the proposed 2027 competition.

BBC Sport reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing of LIV Golf in April, after investing more than $5bn. It says this led to LIV Golf filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. It also says LIV Golf has secured a possible $300m in financing to try to proceed with "LIV 2.0".

Garcia joined LIV Golf in June 2022, according to BBC Sport. It says he won 27 titles on the American and European tours between 1999 and 2020, including the 2017 Masters.

Ryder Cup eligibility

BBC Sport reports that the DP World Tour sanctioned Garcia for breaking its rules when he joined LIV. This made him ineligible for the 2023 Ryder Cup. He later settled outstanding fines to become eligible for 2025, but he was not selected. BBC Sport says the fines were reported to exceed £1m. It does not name the source of that figure.

According to BBC Sport, Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer. He was part of six European wins in 10 appearances. He hopes to join Europe's team at the next Ryder Cup, at Adare Manor in Ireland, as a player or vice-captain. However, BBC Sport says current tour rules allow him to play but not to serve as a future captain or vice-captain.

BBC Sport says Garcia has remained eligible for the majors. It reports that after a poor shot at the Masters, he struck the Augusta turf and a nearby cooler with his driver and broke the clubhead. He apologised afterwards. BBC Sport's report is inconsistent about which year this happened.

What each side says

In his statement, BBC Sport quoted Garcia as saying: "This tour has been a huge part of my career from the beginning and I'm proud to call it home again." BBC Sport also quoted him as saying: "I'm also keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour."

On the Ryder Cup, he said: "Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team, and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be," according to BBC Sport. On the Masters, BBC Sport quoted him as saying: "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."

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include any response from LIV Golf, the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour or Europe's Ryder Cup captaincy.

Analysis

Garcia's departure adds to a list of high-profile exits from LIV Golf. BBC Sport reports that the league is in financial difficulty. If more players leave, it may become harder for LIV Golf to field "LIV 2.0" in 2027. However, the reports do not show how many players it needs. Garcia's Ryder Cup hopes face a possible conflict. BBC Sport says current rules bar him from vice-captain roles. The reports do not say whether those rules could change. A PGA Tour return also remains uncertain. The reports do not describe any route or conditions for it. Responses from the tours and LIV Golf would clarify these points.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.