The 2023 Ryder Cup is approaching but there is one player who will not be there and that is Sergio Garcia; His compatriot Jon Rahm gave his opinion on the decisionWatch every day of the European and USA Championships live on Sky Sports from September 29 to October 1 in Rome
Last updated: 09/14/23 at 8:26 AM
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Shane Lowry hits back at critics who questioned his selection as captain for this year’s Ryder Cup and tells the juniors taking part to enjoy it and be themselves
Shane Lowry hits back at critics who questioned his selection as captain for this year’s Ryder Cup and tells the juniors taking part to enjoy it and be themselves
Jon Rahm believes the decision to drop Sergio Garcia from Europe’s Ryder Cup squad is “stupid”.
Garcia, like all the other players who left the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) for Saudi-backed LIV Golf, has been omitted from Captain Luke Donald’s squad.
He had the most wins in Ryder Cup history, became vice-captain of the European team and had 25 wins, 13 losses and seven home runs in his career. European Nick Faldo (23 victories) and USA Arnold Palmer (22) are next on the all-time victories list.
“I think it would be really stupid for anyone not to rely on Sergio Garcia’s Ryder Cup experience,” Rahm said. “I mean he’s the best player Europe has ever had, he’s won the most points and he’s shown it time and time again.
“If he is able to be vice-captain, I will definitely count on him. Just like we will count on (Jose María Olazabal) in the next Ryder Cup, right.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
All of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars compete in the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the DP World Tour calendar, with extended coverage live on Sky Sports Golf.
Speaking about a potential Ryder Cup run for Garcia and English golfers Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who have all defected to the LIV, Rahm said: “When it comes to the game and the possibility of all those players coming back, it’s been a difficult time.
“Obviously things have changed a little bit. I don’t know how to answer because we’ll have to see if that’s possible or not, right?
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Team Europe captain Luke Donald’s 12-player Ryder Cup squad is complete – meet the golfers looking to take home the trophy
“I would love to see that, but unfortunately we have seen some of these players give up their status on the (DP World) Tour where that is no longer possible. So I would like to see that but we don’t know what the future is.” I think this agreement or this potential union between the PGA Tour, DP World and PIF might change things a little bit.
Watch the BMW PGA Championship all week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday with highlights from 8.30am before full coverage from midday on Sky Sports Golf.
Live coverage of the opening day of the Ryder Cup begins on Friday 29 September from 6am on Sky Sports Golf, while live programming begins on Monday 25 September. Stream the PGA Tour, DP Tour, Ryder Cup and more with NOW.
Get the best prices and book a tour on one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
