Report: Garcia Faces Potential Fine For BMW PGA Championship Withdrawal
The Spaniard withdrew from the tournament after the first round without offering an explanation as to why
LIV Golf player Sergio Garcia caused controversy when he withdrew from the BMW PGA Championship after the opening round without offering a reason, then attended a Texas football game while the tournament was still in progress.
Now, according to a report from The Telegraph’s golf correspondent, James Corrigan, the Spaniard has been asked to provide emergency reasons or “medical evidence deemed reasonable” for his withdrawal or face a fine.
Video: What Is LIV Golf?
The report states that Wentworth HQ confirmed that they are still awaiting an explanation from Garcia for his withdrawal and that he will be fined if that remains the case after three weeks, as per the terms of the members’ regulations handbook.
A post shared by Sergio Garcia (@thesergiogarcia)
A photo posted by on
Garcia’s decision to participate in the tournament was controversial to begin with. The 42-year-old was one of a group of LIV Golf players who took advantage of a special exemption category to play in the DP World Tour’s flagship event pending the outcome of a hearing to determine their futures on the Tour scheduled for February.
That didn’t go down well with some players, including eventual winner Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm. The latter even pointed out that the appearance of LIV Golf players meant his friend Alfredo Garcia-Heredia missed out. He said: “A good friend of mine is the first one out on the entry list right now, Alfredo [Garcia-Heredia], a good friend of mine from Spain. Because you have players that, you know, might need World Ranking points are given an opportunity that. I don't really agree with, it really, to an extent - I don't know what the word is.”
Another player, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Telegraph: “However, you look at it, this is two fingers up from Garcia to the Tour. He came to Wentworth saying he wanted to ‘support the Tour’, but was obviously annoyed at what Keith Pelley said.”
That comment is in reference to DP World Tour CEO Pelley's response to a remark attributed to Garcia stating that the DP World Tour was becoming the game’s fifth Tour. Pelley strongly rebuffed that suggestion before last week’s tournament, saying: “Some of these players have said we are a feeder tour, and even made a suggestion that we are headed towards being the fifth tour in the world. A feeder tour is a tour that exists purely to allow players to get to the next level. The Challenge Tour is a feeder tour. The Korn Ferry Tour is a feeder tour. I'll ask you: Is this week a tournament that is on a feeder tour? A tournament that has sold-out crowds, television coverage around the world in 150 countries, five of the Top 15 players in the world? A tournament with 150 accredited media?”
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Garcia withdrew after a disappointing first round of 76 that would have left him needing an improvement of 12 shots to make the cut had he played the next round. In the event, he chose to take in the Texas v Alabama NCAA football game instead – a decision that, without a satisfactory explanation, will hit him in the pocket a few weeks from now.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Jamie Spence Facts: 18 Things To Know About The Former Player And Now DP World Tour Commentator
The Englishman enjoyed a successful career as a professional before moving into broadcasting
By Michael Weston Published
-
How To Adjust Your Driver And Why It Can Help
It's crucial that you know what you're doing if you want to change the setup of your driver to improve your ball flight. Here's our ultimate guide
By Joel Tadman Published
-
Jon Rahm To Miss DP World Tour Championship
The Spaniard is missing this week's DP World Tour Championship, which he has won on three occasions
By Elliott Heath Published
-
The 4 LIV Golfers Currently Qualified For The DP World Tour Championship
Jon Rahm is one of four LIV Golf players in with a chance of qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship
By Paul Higham Published
-
Jon Rahm And Ludvig Aberg Among Big Names Missing Abu Dhabi Championship As Rory McIlroy Headlines Field
The entry list for the first DP World Tour Play-Offs event is in, with the top 70 teeing it up at Yas Links next week
By Elliott Heath Published
-
After Dramatic Build-up, Relieved Jon Rahm Ready For Record Open De Espana Bid
It was a rollercoaster ride for Jon Rahm but he did finally make it into the Open de Espana field as he looks to win a record fourth title
By Paul Higham Published
-
Report: Jon Rahm To Make Open de Espana Appearance After Birth Of Third Child
The Spaniard was in danger of missing his home open after withdrawing from the Wednesday Pro-Am, but it is reported he will be teeing it up in Madrid after the birth of his first daughter
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How All 10 Of LIV’s New Players Fared In 2024
A whole heap of new full-time players teed it up in the LIV Golf League throughout 2024, with some enjoying a better season than others...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Why It’s Not just $18m Up For Grabs In Rahm Vs Niemann LIV Golf Decider
Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann will be fighting for the LIV Golf individual prize in Chicago which brings a unique championship ring including a QR code surprise
By Paul Higham Published
-
'The Ryder Cup Is Bigger Than Just The Match' - Padraig Harrington Has His Say On Jon Rahm Eligibility
Padraig Harrington says he's a renowned stickler for the rules, which influences his take on whether Jon Rahm should be eligible for the Ryder Cup
By Paul Higham Published