With the race to make the 2025 European Ryder Cup team officially getting underway at this week’s British Masters, captain Luke Donald admitted that he’s keeping all available options open as to who might be among the 12 players he brings to Bethpage Black in New York.
As one of the earlier defectors to the LIV Golf league, Garcia would’ve had to pay DP World Tour fines to be considered eligible to make the team for Marco Simone in Rome last year, and the same will apply for 2025 and it’s not an insignificant amount as the amount due is believed to be well over $1 million.
But the Spaniard, who is the record points scorer in the biennial contest, told Rick Shiels last year that he intended to return to DP World Tour action in 2024 with a view to becoming eligible for selection once again.
To date, he hasn’t played in any of the events, but could change that once the LIV season concludes next month.
“I saw his manager Carlos at The Open and he mentioned something similar,” Donald replied when it was put to him that Garcia had voiced his intent to return.
“I sent Sergio a message of congrats when he won Valderrama. Outside of that I haven’t really talked to him about specifics over whether he’s joining (the DP World Tour), but I did speak to his agent and I know he’s been playing quite well.
“The more people we have to choose from the better.”
Since Donald first lead Europe in Rome last year, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have both followed Garcia to LIV, however neither of the two resigned their membership, unlike Garcia did and both remain eligible for selection providing they play the requisite four regular DP World Tour events and pay their fines.
“I’ve had many conversations with Jon,” Donald explained. “He knows what the deal is. Nothing has changed from last year. He knew when he signed for LIV what the policies were on the DP World Tour. You have to play your four per all the policies you can pay the fines or appeal like some of the guys have. He knows that. It’s up to him to do that.
“He certainly mentioned at the PGA Championship he was willing to do whatever it took to commit to me and the team. I hope that happens.”
Hatton is due to get his first DP World Tour start since making the move when he tees it up at the Betfred British Masters this week, and it will be his second start of the season after playing in the Dubai Desert Classic earlier in the year, and he told bunkered.co.uk that he will also play the Spanish Open and the Dunhill Links Championship to fulfil his quota.
“I’m excited to have as many players as I can to choose from and to be eligible, and I’m glad Tyrrell is playing this week,” said Donald. “I hope he can be one of the guys that I can look for next year as someone that’s eligible.”