Justin Rose believes LIV golfers are missing out on “the events that truly matter” amid reports that Sergio Garcia has rejoined the DP World Tour in a bid to revive his Ryder Cup hopes.
The Spaniard, the Ryder Cup’s all-time leading points scorer, was ineligible for last year’s competition after resigning from the DP World Tour. His resignation followed sanctions for breaching conflicting tournament regulations by competing in the LIV Golf League.
However, the 2017 Masters champion has now reversed course.
A DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed Garcia has paid over £1 million in outstanding fines and will serve tournament suspensions before becoming eligible to compete on the Tour again in 2025.
To be a member of Ryder Cup Team Europe, players must be a member of the DP World Tour.
Meanwhile, Ryder Cup icons Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson remain ineligible, having opted not to rejoin the DP World Tour after their own resignations.
Rose, however, believes that stance could shift in the future.
“I think so,” Rose told reporters ahead of the Hong Kong Open when asked if he thought more LIV players would follow Garcia's lead.
“I think maybe the guys that have gone off to LIV Golf don’t regret it, I don’t think. They are enjoying their soiree over there, but I also think that they miss the events that truly matter.
“Sergio, especially, the Ryder Cup has been a huge part of his life. Obviously, the DP World Tour gives him that opportunity to legitimately make the team. I think he’s still a great player, I believe he’s still playing really well.”
Unlike the PGA Tour, which completely bars players involved with the LIV Golf League from competing, the DP World Tour takes a different approach.
Golf’s gloval circuit allows LIV golfers to participate provided they serve their suspensions and either pay or appeal the fines incurred for competing in events on the Saudi-backed league.
“The DP World Tour, in my mind, have been relatively lenient towards the whole situation – they are not saying you cannot be part of our Tour,” added Rose.
“They are just saying if you choose to play against our event, then that will accrue a fine, which is all well and good, I think.
“Good for Sergio that he believes in his game and wants to make the most of the last golden years of his career, as he is a similar age to me, and play events that truly move the needle.
“Good for him, and from my point of view, I harbour no kind of animosity to anyone that has gone off and done everything. Everyone has their own choices to make, and if the system allows it, it’s great that he’s taking advantage of that.”
