Sergio Garcia has clear stance on LIV Golf and PGA Tour as he fails to qualify for the Open

Sergio Garcia, one of the prominent golfers who switched to LIV Golf in 2022, remains optimistic about the league’s future in professional golf despite recent setbacks, such as failing to qualify for the Open Championship. Garcia, along with notable players like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson, left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, and they haven’t regretted their decision as the league continues to grow.

A year ago, there was speculation that Garcia and his colleagues might return to the PGA Tour. This followed PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan’s announcement of a framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which funds LIV Golf. The agreement aimed to reconcile the PGA Tour and LIV, but it has yet to be finalized, leaving much speculation about its impact on golf’s future.

Garcia addressed doubts about LIV Golf, emphasizing its longevity. “We’re here to stay for a long time,” he told the Evening Standard earlier this year. “People thought this would last two or three years, but players are signing contracts through the late 2020s and even the 2030s.”

At the Masters in April, Garcia spoke about the perceived divide in professional golf. He downplayed hostilities, suggesting that the media, rather than the players, fueled the divide. Garcia believes the game is in an excellent state, with a record number of participants. He emphasized that the future of golf lies with the next generation of players, not current stars like himself or Rory McIlroy.

Garcia likened the situation to different football leagues, stating, “Just as I love watching Real Madrid in La Liga, others enjoy the Premier League and their favorite teams. There’s room for everyone, and ample support for both tours.”

Currently, Garcia leads Fireballs GC in the LIV circuit and has earned an impressive $22.6 million in prize money since joining two years ago.