Sergio García is pulling out all the stops to make sure he is part of next year’s Ryder Cup, whether that means stepping onto the course as a player or contributing from the sidelines as a vice‑captain. His window of opportunity appears to be widening as the future of his involvement with the Saudi‑backed LIV Golf circuit becomes increasingly uncertain. The breakaway series, which has been financed by Saudi interests, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.
The court‑approved restructuring plan is expected to dissolve the existing player contracts, potentially clearing the way for a new incarnation of the league—often referred to as LIV 2.0—to launch later this decade. For García, the legal turbulence offers a chance to untangle himself from the obligations that have kept him on the periphery of the traditional European Tour and the Ryder Cup selection process. In a decisive move earlier this week, García secured a judicial order that lifted the automatic stay that had been placed on his LIV contract.
The ruling effectively frees him to explore his options for the 2027 season without the looming threat of a breach of contract claim. With that obstacle removed, the Spanish golfer, who sits atop the all‑time Ryder Cup points leaderboard for Europe, can now focus on the next step in his career: the prestigious event at Adare Manor in September. "I consider every possibility," García told reporters during a press conference at the Open de España in Madrid.
"That doesn't mean I'm committing to staying with LIV, but resolving the LIV 1.0 issue now prevents any future complications that could arise from that agreement." He went on to acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the DP World Tour’s stance on a potential LIV 2.0 revival. "I don’t know exactly how the DP World Tour will handle a second wave of LIV, but my priority is to give myself the best shot at making the Ryder Cup team," he said.
García’s passion for the Ryder Cup was evident throughout the interview. "Everyone knows how much the Ryder Cup means to me.
If I can’t earn a place as a player, I would love to contribute in another capacity—perhaps as a vice‑captain or in some other supportive role. That would be incredibly rewarding." He confirmed that he has already been in touch with European captain Luke Donald. "I told Luke that I will do everything in my power to earn a spot on the team, and if that doesn’t happen, I’ll still be there to help however I can," García explained. Before he can be considered for selection, however, García must first regain his DP World Tour membership.
He resigned his membership in 2023 after the Tour penalised him for participating in LIV events that conflicted with its schedule. The fallout included a hefty fine of roughly £750,000, which he paid in an attempt to qualify for the 2022 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. Unfortunately, he fell short of the required number of events and consequently lost his Tour card.
Despite the setbacks, García has not ruled out a return to the PGA Tour either. Under PGA regulations, he would be required to serve a suspension that would run until August of the upcoming season before he could compete again.
"It’s definitely on the table," he said. "I turn 47 in January, and the Champions Tour is also an attractive option for me." He added that the prospect of playing in senior‑level tournaments is increasingly appealing as he approaches his late forties.
"I would love to get into some of those big Champions Tour events. Those are the kinds of things I’m starting to think about at my age." The broader context of García’s situation reflects the ongoing turbulence in professional golf.
The LIV Golf venture, which promised lucrative contracts and a new format, has faced legal challenges, financial strain, and resistance from the established tours. Its bankruptcy filing signals a possible end to the first wave of the project, but the sport’s governing bodies have indicated that a second wave could emerge, perhaps with a different structure and a revised relationship with existing tours. For European players like García, the stakes are high.
The Ryder Cup remains the pinnacle of team competition in golf, and Europe’s recent successes have heightened the desire of seasoned veterans to add another chapter to their legacy. García’s 2017 Masters victory and his record‑setting points tally make him a natural candidate, but the selection criteria also hinge on recent performance, world ranking, and tour membership. Regaining his DP World Tour card would allow García to compete in the events that feed directly into the Ryder Cup points system.
It would also give him the chance to showcase his form against the world’s best, something the European captain will scrutinise closely when assembling the squad. Meanwhile, a potential return to the PGA Tour could provide additional high‑profile opportunities, though the required suspension adds another layer of complexity to his planning. In the meantime, fans can follow García’s progress at the Open de España, which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from 1 p.m.
on Thursday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 3 p.m. Those interested in streaming the tournament can also look for Sky Sports’ no‑contract streaming options.
Overall, García’s immediate goal is clear: untangle himself from the legal and contractual quagmire left by LIV Golf, secure his status on a major tour, and position himself as a viable candidate for the 2027 Ryder Cup. Whether he ultimately plays, serves as a vice‑captain, or contributes in another capacity, his determination to be part of the event underscores the deep personal and professional significance the competition holds for him.