Sergio Garcia’s $1 million fine isn’t only hurdle to revive Ryder Cup career: Report

LIV Golf pro Sergio Garcia wants to play in the Ryder Cup again, and the first requirement to do so is to be a member of the DP World Tour. One problem: Garcia resigned his tour membership last year as he focused on LIV Golf.

In a recent interview with Rick Shiels, recorded in November, Garcia expressed confidence in his skills to return to the European circuit this season and earn a spot on the European team.

Garcia announced his intention to rejoin the European Tour. He expressed his desire to remain a member of the DP World Tour when he joined LIV. Despite facing challenges, Garcia wants to increase his chances of playing in the Ryder Cup.

But in a new report by James Corrigan in The Telegraph, anonymous DP World Tour insiders quickly threw cold water on Sergio’s hopes, telling Corrigan they were “baffled” by his comments in the podcast interview.

According to Corrigan’s sources, Garcia faces several hurdles to regain DP World Tour membership.

First, he must pay off a reported £893,000 in fines he’s racked up since leaving for LIV, an equivalent to about $1.13 million USD. Then, he’d need to formally reapply for membership, but he already missed the first deadline to do so back in November, and he might not be eligible for a May 1 deadline for “exceptional circumstances”.

“He is probably hoping a deal is worked out in the current negotiations with PIF, and there is an amnesty and a clear pathway back,” sources told Corrigan. “But there is a strong feeling among the tour’s rank and file that the fines will have to be honored first – and Sergio has only so far offered to pay if he could be considered for the Ryder Cup.”

Further complicating matters is what Garcia will have to do after he pays the fines and reapplies for membership. Even then, he would have to serve a reported nine-week ban before entering any events.

During his conversation with Shiels, it appeared that Garcia failed to fully recognize the challenges he would face in returning to the DP World Tour and the Ryder Cup, despite being informed of the specifics by the tour during a previous attempt before the last Ryder Cup.

“It is challenging to qualify for the team by playing only a few events unless you perform exceptionally well,” Garcia explained to Shiels.

“However, if I demonstrate my dedication, perform consistently, and contribute positively to the team, I hope to be considered based not just on my skills but also on my experience in the event.”

Garcia, the top scorer in Ryder Cup history, was a prominent member of the European team for many years but is now 44 years old and approaching the end of his career. The successful European Ryder Cup team of 2023, on the other hand, performed exceptionally well in Rome and included several newcomers on the team.

Corrigan’s references were precise in discussing Garcia’s tactics. “Currently, it is doubtful that his plan will come to fruition.”

Garcia is currently participating in the LIV Golf Jeddah event this week and is currently ranked T33 out of 54 players after the first two rounds.

The upcoming Ryder Cup will commence on September 25, 2025, at Bethpage Black in New York.