Masters winner becomes latest golfer to leave LIV, keeping ‘options open’ for PGA Tour return
LIV Golf is in shambles, and another one has bitten the dust.
Sergio Garcia said on social media that he will be playing in the DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour, and is “keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour.”
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The DP World Tour announced earlier this month that it was no longer allowing LIV players to participate in its tournaments.
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Sergio Garcia of Spain reacts on the 18th green during the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, 2026. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“This tour has been a huge part of my career from the very beginning, and I’m proud to call it home again,” Garcia said in his statement.
The 2017 Masters winner also said it is a “goal” to play for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup in Ireland — European golfers must be a member of the DP World Tour in order to be eligible. Thus, with the DP World Tour’s new stipulations, Garcia’s already-slim chances were essentially put to zero.
Garcia last played in the Ryder Cup in 2021, several months before jumping to LIV. He has won six times in his 10 appearances.
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, both Team Europe staples, have already said they are leaving LIV Golf. Louis Oosthuizen is also leaving, and Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed departed months ago.
The PIF halted funding in April to redirect money toward domestic projects and manage financial pressures from the regional war with Iran. Following the decision, PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan resigned from LIV’s board.
Sergio Garcia of Spain finishes his first round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP)
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LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey last month. Between 2021 and 2026, LIV spent an estimated $5 billion to $8 billion. Bankruptcy filings show the league owes millions of dollars in unpaid compensation to top players, including Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith.
The league’s future depends on a proposed restructuring plan called “LIV 2.0,” but Rahm said the terms of “2.0” are “unacceptable” and he won’t be participating in it. Rahm and Hatton were perhaps the two biggest LIV names to play in DP World Tour events.
Under the proposal, London-based private equity firm BC Partners, which has financial ties to player agency GSE Worldwide, would fund a 2027 relaunch. The plan would also give the players majority ownership of the league.
LIV has laid off most of its operational staff, left event contractors waiting for payment and faces a lawsuit from the Premier Golf League alleging breach of confidence and conspiracy.
Sergio Garcia of Spain plays his tee shot on 9th hole the during the second round of the British Open golf championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, Friday, July 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Shortly after the PIF pulled its funding, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil said the LIV calendar would not be altered, but that did not occur. The league’s originally-scheduled championship weekend was cancelled, forcing it to be played a week earlier.
OutKick’s Alejandro Avila contributed to this report.
