The European captain’s position in the Ryder Cup used to be strengthened over the years. Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter were favorites to lead the blue and gold – until they joined LIV Golf and relinquished their DP World Tour membership in 2023.
This latest decision will prevent the trio – unless the rules change – from ever taking on a leadership role in a European team according to The Telegraph..
The British newspaper reported on the DP World Tour rule introduced in 2018, which stipulates that “players cannot become captain or vice-captain of the European Ryder Cup if they refuse European Tour membership or fail to meet the minimum event requirements in any season.”
Garcia has he reportedly reapplied for tour membership and paid fines totaling more than €1 million in an attempt to qualify for this year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. Westwood and Poulter chose not to do so.
According to The Telegraph, Donald was asked earlier this week whether Garcia could play an assistant role if he didn’t make the team as a player. Then Donald raised the issue of the exclusionary principle.
“If Sergio is going to be an assistant, the rules will have to change,” Donald reportedly said. “So I didn’t think much about it because that scenario isn’t allowed right now.”
Garcia, 44, is Europe’s all-time points scorer and finished fourth in the 2002 US Open at Bethpage Stadium. He is expected to compete in the DPWT for the first time since 2022 at the Bahrain Championships, which will be held from January 30 to February. 2.
