The key facts

  • Garcia is the Ryder Cup's all-time points record holder: 28.5 across 10 appearances
  • LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors after funding from the PIF was withdrawn
  • Poulter, Hatton and Rahm previously left the league

Garcia returns to the European tour

Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia has announced that next season he will compete on the DP World (European) Tour and is considering a return to the PGA Tour, confirming his departure from LIV Golf. He made the announcement on Thursday in a post on X, as reported by AFP. Garcia, 46, the 2017 US Masters champion, said that over the winter he has been working hard on his game and is 'focusing heavily on strong thinking and mental health.' His goal is an 11th career appearance in the Ryder Cup, which will be held in Ireland next year.

Context: LIV's crisis and the player exodus

Garcia is the all-time leading points scorer in Ryder Cup history: 28.5 points across 10 appearances. According to AFP, European players have been informed that signing a contract with the 'new' LIV would cost them their membership in the European Tour and, consequently, their chance to play in the Ryder Cup — the biennial team tournament against the United States. Garcia also recalled his behavior at Augusta this year, where he received a warning for a code-of-conduct violation after smashing his driver on the second hole: 'I left Augusta last year disappointed in myself and my actions, and I am ready to show what I have learned.' LIV's future is uncertain: the league filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in the United States after financial support from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was withdrawn. A week ago, Englishmen Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton announced their departure, even though new lead investor BC Partners Credit pledged initial funding of a potential $300 million to relaunch the tour in 2027. Earlier this month, two-time major champion Jon Rahm reached an agreement to sever ties with LIV: according to AFP, when the bankruptcy petition was filed he was the league's largest unsecured creditor, owed $7.5 million, although he is believed to be due considerably more under a contract reported to be worth $300 million, signed in December 2023 when he moved from the PGA Tour.