By Sohaib Shams
Sergio Garcia has announced his departure from LIV Golf and will return to the DP World Tour in 2027, aiming to regain a place in Europe's Ryder Cup team. The 46-year-old Spaniard, a former world number two and 2017 Masters champion, said the European circuit "has been a huge part of my career from the beginning."
Move to DP World Tour
Garcia confirmed the switch in a social media statement, adding that he is also keeping options open for a return to the PGA Tour. He won a combined 27 titles on the American and European tours between 1999 and 2020. Garcia joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series in June 2022 but will not participate in its proposed second phase, known as LIV 2.0, after the Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April.
Ryder Cup Ambitions
The Spaniard is Europe's all-time leading Ryder Cup points scorer, with six victories in 10 appearances. He was sanctioned by the DP World Tour for breaking its rules when he defected to LIV, making him ineligible for the 2023 edition. After settling reported fines exceeding £1 million, he became eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup but was not selected. Garcia now hopes to feature at next year's match at Adare Manor in Ireland, either as a player or vice-captain, though current tour rules bar him from serving as a future captain or vice-captain.
LIV Golf Exodus
Garcia follows Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell in leaving the breakaway circuit. LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month after the Saudi fund invested more than $5 billion. The league has secured a possible $300 million in financing to attempt a 2027 relaunch, but only a handful of players have committed so far.
Past Controversies
Garcia's return may involve an awkward reunion with the PGA Tour. In 2022, he told a rules official at the Wells Fargo Championship: "I can't wait to leave this tour." He remained eligible for majors and apologized after slamming his driver into the turf at this year's Masters, snapping the club head. Garcia said he is ready to show what he has learned and aims to contend for another green jacket at Augusta next April.
