The news that Sergio Garcia will agree to pay DP World Tour fines, with the aim of playing in the upcoming Ryder Cup, surprised many. The Spaniard made huge successes at the Ryder Cup, and the fact that he did not perform in Rome last year obviously annoyed this experienced golfer, who wants to contribute to the team this time.
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Many wonder if some of his colleagues, like Ian Poulter, will decide to take the same step. Judging by what the 48-year-old Englishman said, the chances of such a thing are minor. Analyzing DP World Tour fines, and the fact of how many tournaments Garcia will play next year, Poulter realized that Garcia would have to pay huge fines in order to play for the European team.
"He would have had a $1 million (�780,000) worth of fines paid already," he said, as quoted by Express.
"He'll play 14 LIV events next year, five of them are fineable of $100,000 (�80,000) a week so he would have spent $2.4m (�1.9m) to give him that freedom to have a chance. That's a lot of money spent to try and make a team."
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The experienced Englishman, who has been a part of the golf scene for years, emphasizes that his decision regarding the Ryder Cup was primarily guided by principles, rather than focusing on finances. The Englishman wants to look at things logically, pointing out that paying 100,000 dollars a week in order to have the opportunity to perform at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black next year is pointless. The 48-year-old knew immediately whether or not he would accept the offer from LIV Golff, considering it a real obstacle for him. Although criticism immediately followed such a decision, Ian did not doubt that he had chosen the right option.
An experienced golfer believes that the current situation where golfers are unfairly punished is not good at all. Poulter is not happy considering the reactions of fans and media headlines, which do not underline how important he was to the European Tour, but also to the Ryder Cup team. Going to LIV Golf changed a lot for him, especially the perception that fans have about Poulter. Ian points out that every golfer has a desire for freedom of choice, disappointed by the penalties that come. Ian stresses that principles and integrity are more important than rules imposed by the DP World Tour and others.
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Poulter is not happy with the results of this season, stressing that such results cannot guarantee him an appearance at the Ryder Cup. Chances are high that the Englishman would stay at home despite everything, so such a decision would probably be wrong for him. Poulter finished the season in 37th place. On the other hand, his colleague, Sergio Garcia finished third. The Englishman stresses that he did not talk to Luke Donald, the captain of the European team, and he does not know if Gracia and Donald talked at all. The future is uncertain for many, including Garcia, who obviously has a huge desire to perform at Bethpage Black.
I havent spoken to Luke Donald (European captain) to be honest," -Ian Poulter said. "I dont know if Luke has had any conversations with Sergio at length. I dont know how many tournaments he is earmarking to play in Europe so I guess well have to wait and see.
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Many things are unknown at this point.
Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia wants to compete in the Ryder Cup for the 11th time and break the record. The 44-year-old is ready to pay fines that will amount to millions, in order to play for the European team. The DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed a few days ago that Garcia submitted his application in order to regain membership of the DP World Tour for the 2025 season. In addition, he will have to serve his suspension before appearing on the European Tour.
"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," said a DP World Tour spokesman.
"He has paid his fines but will have to serve his suspensions before he can play on the DP World Tour."
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It will be interesting to follow the circumstances on the golf scene and see what the future holds. The arrival of LIV Golf changed many things, including the future and destiny of Garcia. Nevertheless, the experienced golfer believes that he will perform at Bethpage Back next year, and help the team to win another medal, this time on the guest soil.
A demanding task awaits them, but not an impossible one.
