Sergio Garcia is set to make a return to the DP World Tour in 2025 as he aims to secure a spot in next year’s Ryder Cup. The 44-year-old, who holds the record for the most points scored in the competition, is keen to match the European record of 11 appearances held by Lee Westwood and Sir Nick Faldo.
To pave the way for his comeback, Garcia has settled over £1 million in fines imposed for his move to LIV Golf events and will also serve a suspension before rejoining competitive play. A DP World Tour representative confirmed that the former Masters champion applied for reinstatement before the November 17 deadline, a necessary step for eligibility in the Ryder Cup.
“He has paid his fines but must complete his suspension before competing on the DP World Tour,” the representative stated.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage in New York from September 26-28. Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, recently revealed ongoing conversations with Garcia about his return and potential role on the team.
Garcia boasts an impressive career with 16 European Tour wins and 11 PGA Tour titles, including the 2017 Masters. He joined LIV Golf in 2022, a Saudi-funded series that drew numerous top players. However, his resignation from the European circuit came in 2023 after an arbitration panel upheld the DP World Tour’s authority to impose fines and bans on players participating in LIV events without approval.
Donald’s Influence
Garcia’s decision to return highlights his strong relationship with Luke Donald, with whom he has shared success in previous Ryder Cup matches. The allure of playing under Donald’s captaincy in New York appears to have outweighed any reservations about the hefty fines.
To maintain his DP World Tour membership, Garcia must compete in at least four events next season following his suspension. Although he remains barred from the PGA Tour, his move aligns him with other players, such as Adrian Meronk, Dean Burmester, and Patrick Reed, who have paid fines to reinstate their memberships.
The Ryder Cup team selection remains a focal point for Garcia as he eyes another opportunity to contribute to Europe’s legacy on golf’s biggest stage.
