Sergio García could be in line for a sensational Ryder Cup return next year after European captain Luke Donald revealed he has recently spoken with the 44-year-old Spaniard about rejoining the DP World Tour.
García resigned from the Tour in 2023 after a sports arbitration panel ruled sanctions imposed on the former Masters champion and others who joined LIV Golf were legal.
That appeared to end the Ryder Cup career for the event’s record points scorer, given only DP World Tour members can play for Europe.
But speaking at a press conference to mark a year before the 2025 matches take place in New York, Donald issued a surprising update on Garcia’s intentions to rejoin the DP World Tour.
“Obviously he resigned his membership in 2023, but we have had some chats,” Donald said. “He is considering rejoining. He’d have to follow all the rules and regulations like everyone else, and if he does that, he will be eligible to take part in the Ryder Cup.”
Donald continued: “We chatted on the phone a couple of weeks ago. He’s certainly very interested in doing that. He understands everything that’s involved, and the decision whether he’s prepared to do all that is down to him. But certainly, we’ve had that discussion, yes.”
García would have to pay over £1.5m in fines that he has racked up by competing in LIV Golf events that have clashed with DP World Tour events over the last two years before he can even be considered for his renewal of membership of the European circuit. He would also have to serve a suspension.
Garcia, who finished third in the LIV Golf League’s 2024 season, is currently 390th in the world rankings and would likely have to rely on a captain’s pick for the 2025 Ryder Cup matches, a move which would not be widely welcomed by European players who have stayed loyal to the DP World Tour.