Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia were great friends, but the Spaniard's departure to LIV Golf seems to have ruined the relationship the two previously had. The Northern Irish golfer and Garcia played in a large number of tournaments together, built a friendship, and became key players in European golf.
However, after the departure of Garcia and other colleagues to LIV Golf, McIlroy fiercely criticized all those who took such a step.
The 35-year-old was the main ambassador of the PGA Tour during that period, believing that the prestige and fame of the PGA Tour make it a superior place for all golfers. Many in that period, and many even now, look at LIV Golf as a Tour that wants to reach the top of the golf scene through money. Although this is not far from the truth, it is also a fact that LIV Golf wants to provide golfers with a completely different environment for development.
Rory McIlroy pointed out in an interview with the media that Garcia was still his favorite golfer in the late 90s, and he enjoyed watching him as a boy. Rory McIlroy looked at the Spaniard as an inspiration, and the man who gave him the motivation to play golf. Playing alongside him was a dream come true for McIlroy. However, Rory also achieved enormous fame in a short period of time, becoming an even bigger name than Garcia, but he always had respect and a high opinion of Garcia.
"When Sergio was coming through," he said, as quoted by Express.
"Especially in the PGA [Championship] in '99 at Medinah running up the fairway, Sergio was my favourite player for a lot of years.
Sergio definitely inspired me. Then when I got to playing on tour and getting to play on Ryder Cup teams and stuff with him, it was a dream come 'true' for me to play so closely and to partner with one of my favourite heroes growing up."
Garcia wants to return to the Ryder Cup team, considering that his departure to LIV Golf last year prevented him from doing so. The Spaniard wants to play again next to McIlroy and other big names in the golf scene. Luke Donald confirmed a few weeks ago that he and Garcia had a conversation.
A name like Garcia would certainly bring huge importance to the European team at Bethpage Black next year.
Donald pointed out that the experienced Spaniard is very interested in playing next year, but he also knows what is key to do if he really wants to be part of the European team. The Europeans want to achieve victory on away soil and make a huge surprise. Experienced names would be important additions to them in that goal.
"He is certainly very interested in doing that. He understands everything that is involved, and again, the decision has to go to him whether he is prepared to do all that, but certainly we have had that discussion yes."- Donald said.
An experienced golfer will have to comply with the main thing, which is to renew his DP World Tour membership and accept the penalties that would follow due to his performance at LIV Golf.
In an interview with the media, Donald stressed that DP World Tour has a policy that it will not change, and that it is consistent, stressing that the same thing happened in Roma. The captain of the European team confirmed that golfers born in Europe can be part of the European Tour. This is the only way to ensure a performance at the Ryder Cup. Several LIV Golfers are available for Donald, and he will have an interesting task of choosing the best of them.
Sergio Garcia aims to play in the Ryder Cup: I feel like my games still good enough
Sergio Garcia confirmed that he has spoken with the European Tour, believing that they can reach an agreement soon. The experienced face of the golf scene is confident about his abilities, expecting that he can play two or three more Ryder Cups in the future. Garcia hopes that things will be resolved and that his career can finally experience a revival.
Ive had talks with the European Tour, and I still want to support the European Tour, so hopefully, we all come to an agreement, and that can be restored, Garcia said.
I feel like my games still good enough to play at least two or three Ryder Cups, so if I can keep that level going, hopefully everything gets sorted and we can get to that point.
It will be interesting to see what will happen in this case.
