Home/Golf

via Imago

via Imago

The Ryder Cup is merely days away, and the excitement is off the charts. This year’s teams have become a subject of considerable anticipation and people have weighed in with their expert advice. The patriotic event’s seasoned veteran, Sergio Garcia, has also been in the talks for his absence.

Turns out, as much as John Rahm misses the LIV golfer in the European line-up for Rome, the veteran golfer also had his heart set on the Ryder Cup. The Spaniard tried until the last minute to make his space. But a legendary golfer thinks Team Europe has “moved on.”

Nick Faldo speaks about missing the LIV golfer’s presence in the European squad

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

British golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo laughed away when asked if Team Europe might need Sergio Garcia to bring the national glory home. He claimed that the Spanish golfer and other LIV stars are done for, and the game has moved on.

During an interview with Golf Channel, the legendary golfer was asked if the European team is “weaker” without the presence of a seasoned player such as Garcia. The former captain responded, “These guys have moved on. You’ve got to be kidding! I think we have one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had, plus those guys [on the LIV tour] have not played in enough tournaments.”

“They’re in a different world now, they have left the Tour and haven’t supported the Tour, so hey, they are done and that’s it. The team has moved on, the game has moved on, and Team Europe is fantastic. I don’t think they could do anything better.” Faldo even hinted that the team might have secret rookies up their sleeves and do not need Garcia to rescue them.

Nick Faldo and Sergio Garcia have also been at odds in the past. During the Ryder Cup 2008, the European team fell to the ground, paving the way for America to win the patriotic event. Captain Nick Faldo blamed Garcia for the defeat and called his efforts useless. The conversation transpires amid the desperate yet failed attempts of the Spaniard to be on the European squad.

Also Read: Despite Missing the Patriotic Calling, Sergio Garcia Proves That He Doesn’t Need the Ryder Cup Glory to Steal the Spotlight

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Sergio Garcia seeks a last-minute redemption

Garcia has been an ever-present member of the European team at the Ryder Cup. His absence this season is indeed a topic of discussion. As Rahm also said, Team Europe can learn from his experience. However, his shift to the LIV Golf Series changed much more than just the tour the Spanish golfer plays on.

Telegraph Sport recently took to Twitter and shared an update about Garcia trying to make it to the Ryder Cup squad. DP World Tour denied his attempts due to his resignation earlier. The agony of being on the team was such that Garcia was ready to pay a humongous fine and other outstanding penalties if they allowed him to play.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Do you also think the European team is best without the seasoned player? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story | “I Find That Hard to Believe”: Months After His Controversial Victimisation by a PGA Pro, Rory McIlroy Unveils His Savage Guise as He Gives a Ruthless Reality Check