Sergio Garcia has rejoined the DP World Tour in his bid to secure a record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe.
The 44-year-old, the Ryder Cup’s all-time leading points scorer, now aims to match Lee Westwood and Sir Nick Faldo’s record of 11 appearances by featuring at Bethpage in the United States.
But in order to play again at the Ryder Cup, Garcia – who defected to LIV Golf in 2022 – has had to settle his hefty outstanding fines, reported to be over £1million, imposed by the DP World Tour and he must serve a suspension.
Garcia had previously surrendered his membership in May 2023 when an arbitration panel found in favour of the DP World Tour and ratified its right to fine and suspend players who featured in LIV events without approval.
It was then revealed by the European Tour that Garcia didn’t pay his £100,000 fine, “nor has he given any indication that he intends to”.
Yet, his desire to have another shot at the Ryder Cup has proved too much. He has maintained conversation with captain Luke Donald, who is set to lead Europe once again, and he has relented in his stance.
“Sergio Garcia submitted his application to return to membership of the DP World Tour for the 2025 season ahead of the deadline on Sunday November 17,” a tour spokesman revealed.
“He has paid his fines but will have to serve his suspensions before he can play on the DP World Tour.
“He is a member in Category One (reserved for winners of the Race to Dubai Rankings 2017 to 2024 and the four majors from 2017 to 2025) for the 2025 season.”
Donald was asked last month about whether he believed Garcia was serious about rejoining the tour. “Yeah, we chatted on the phone a couple of weeks ago. He’s certainly very interested in doing that,” he said at the time.
“He understands everything that’s involved and again, the decision has to go to him whether he’s prepared to do all that. But certainly we’ve had that discussion.”
“He’d have to follow all the rules and regulations like everyone else and if he does that he will be eligible to partake in the Ryder Cup.”
