Sergio García quits LIV Golf and returns to the DP World Tour, targeting Ryder Cup 2027

García leaves LIV for the DP World Tour

Sergio García, 46, confirmed on Thursday, 29 October, that he is leaving LIV Golf and will play the DP World Tour next season. He announced the decision in a statement posted on social media after obtaining approval in early October to end his contract with the Saudi-funded circuit. The Spaniard won the Masters in 2017 and joined LIV in June 2022, when the league was launched. García first played the European circuit in 1999, at the age of 19, and he said it has been a very important part of his career.

“This tour has been a huge part of my career from the very beginning, and I'm proud to call it home again.”

Ryder Cup 2027 at Adare Manor

García is aiming for a place in Europe's team at the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be held at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, from 17 to 19 September. He has played in 10 Ryder Cups, most recently in 2021, and he is Europe's all-time leading points scorer with 28½ points. According to BBC, current tour rules would still let him play but would prevent him from serving as a future captain or vice-captain. EL PAÍS reports that he said during the Spanish Open that he would be available to serve as a vice-captain under captain Luke Donald if he does not qualify as a player. Making the team in whatever role is the aim he set out in his statement.

“Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be.”

Masters ambitions and the PGA Tour option

García also referred to the 2026 Masters, where he broke his driver on the No. 2 hole after an outburst on the tee box and received a code-of-conduct warning, a first at that tournament. In his statement he said he left Augusta disappointed with his own conduct and that he is ready to show what he has learned. He is also keeping a return to the PGA Tour open. Europa Press reports that a protection clause against players who were on the Saudi-funded circuit would keep him from playing there, if he qualifies, until August 2027, while EL PAÍS says current rules require at least a year from his last LIV start on 23 August.

“I'd love nothing more than to chase another green jacket at such a special place.”

LIV Golf's financial trouble

LIV Golf lost its main backer when the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew support in April, after investing more than $5bn (£3.8bn). The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September. It is now trying to continue under a plan known as 'LIV 2.0', with a possible $300m (£224m) in financing, yet only a handful of players had committed to the proposed 2027 competition. The circuit is emerging from Chapter 11 with BC Partners Credit and its $300 million pledge, and without Saudi money.

Other players leaving the circuit

García follows several high-profile players in leaving the circuit. Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen are among those who have announced their departures. David Puig, Abraham Ancer, Adrian Meronk and Thomas Pieters are also not returning to LIV Golf. Garcia had already been granted approval to leave the circuit before this week's announcement.