Sergio Garcia denies tensions with potential Ryder Cup teammates

Among Luke Donald’s numerous considerations when weighing up a dramatic Ryder Cup return for Sergio Garcia will be the possibility of tensions in the European locker room. 

Garcia, the record points scorer in the event’s history, is intent on making a sensational comeback at Bethpage Black this September.

And, in an interview with the Times, the Spaniard has denied any problems with potential teammates ahead of the match in New York.

Garcia appeared to have forfeited his Ryder Cup future when first aligning with LIV Golf, but is now seemingly back on the radar having re-joined the DP World Tour, the circuit he had resigned from amid sanctions he was accruing for playing in conflicting events on the breakaway league.

Garcia, 45, still faces an uphill battle to break into Donald’s dozen after settling those sanctions, particularly given the lack of access to Ryder Cup points on the LIV tour. Only strong performances in the majors will enable Garcia to automatically qualify for the European team.

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Otherwise, Garcia would need to rely on a wildcard pick and while he still shares a close relationship with former teammate Donald, it is doubtful whether the Englishman will turn to his experience barring an outstanding season for the former Masters champion.

Donald has also placed such emphasis on the team dynamic in his reign captaincy, while some observants have indicated that Garcia could rock the boat.

Garcia’s friendship with Rory McIlroy became strained during the height of the game’s division, while he also infamously lashed out with a locker room rant during the 2022 BMW International Open in Munich.

But Garcia is adamant there would be no problems with his prospective teammates at Bethpage.

“I don’t, I never did,” he said. “I don’t consider we do anymore. I see Rory here and there and I sent him a couple of texts to say ‘congrats’.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone at all. The most important thing when it comes to the Ryder Cup is the team and you put your big or small egos away and you know what you’re fighting for.”

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Garcia is desperate to make a record-equalling 11th appearance in European colours, but is also keen to be involved in any capacity he can.

“We all know how much I love the Ryder Cup so to at least have the opportunity to make the team is already exciting,” he added.

“If I go on and make the team it will be unbelievable, but I want to help the team as much as I can. Two years ago I was texting a lot of guys and wishing them well. That is never going to change, it doesn’t matter whether I play three more Ryder Cups or none. I’m a fan of the European team.”

Garcia would certainly have the support of LIV colleague Jon Rahm if he makes the team.

“For people that see him any given day, Sergio Garcia can a can hit it tee-to-green better than anybody on the planet,” Rahm said in Dubai last month. “He’s still that good and he’s still very valuable.

“I understand the change in circumstances – I get it. But at the end of the day, being Spanish and a friend and a mentor, I’m obviously going to be biased towards him. And I would love to see him in that team room, but who knows what’s going to happen.

“I also understand we did an incredible job in that last Ryder Cup having a newer team and coming together and performing the way we did. So I hope, I believe that there’s a place for Sergio in there.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.