Sergio García might be poised for a dramatic return to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage next year, following Luke Donald's revelation that he has recently discussed the possibility with the Spanish golfer about rejoining the DP World Tour.
García resigned from the Tour in early 2023 after a sports arbitration panel deemed the sanctions imposed on him and others who joined LIV Golf as appropriate. This seemed to mark the end of García's Ryder Cup journey, given that only DP World Tour members can represent Europe. However, García had a stellar 2024 season on LIV, finishing third in the overall individual standings.
Donald, the European captain, addressed García's situation in New York on Tuesday, providing an unexpected response. "He resigned his membership, but we've had some conversations," Donald said. "He is contemplating rejoining. He would need to adhere to all the rules and regulations, and if he does, he would be eligible for the Ryder Cup." Donald further mentioned that they had a phone conversation a couple of weeks ago, during which García expressed strong interest in rejoining, understanding the implications involved.
García missed the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome when Donald's European team defeated the US. Rejoining the DP World Tour, if García is serious about it, won't be easy for the 44-year-old. He would need to settle outstanding fines and serve suspensions before being allowed to compete in DP World Tour events. In May last year, the Tour declared García in default regarding a £100,000 sanction, which, along with potentially other fines, remains unpaid. García's return, given his past criticism of the DP World Tour, could also stir discontent among the membership.
At the same media conference, US captain Keegan Bradley remained evasive about the possibility of qualifying for his own team. Rory McIlroy has publicly stated that it would be impossible for Bradley to combine playing and captaincy duties. As the world's 14th-ranked player, Bradley has a good chance of securing a playing spot at Bethpage.
Bradley emphasized that his immediate focus is on being the team captain. He also acknowledged the need for "people inside the ropes monitoring the situation" regarding crowd behavior around New York. Bethpage is known for its lively atmosphere, raising concerns about potential chaos during the Ryder Cup.
"It's crucial for us that it's a fair place to play for both teams," Bradley said. "Neither team wants this to become uncomfortable or strange out there."
