Sergio Garcia Admits LIV Switch Could Affect Hall Of Fame Chances
The Spaniard no longer considers himself a leading candidate
Sergio Garcia may boast an incredible resume, but the former Masters champion isn’t feeling too confident of making it into golf’s coveted Hall of Fame in 2026, as has been reported by the Golf Channel.
The next ballot for the World Golf Hall of Fame will include three players born in 1980 – Adam Scott, Justin Rose and Garcia – all Major champions with very similar records in the game.
Yet Garcia, who also boasts the record for most points at the Ryder Cup (28.5), believes his move to LIV Golf could hamper his chances of joining illustrious company in the Hall of Fame.
Garcia made the switch to the controversial, Saudi-backed Tour last summer, and immediately, along with the likes of fellow Ryder Cup stalwarts Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, received a great deal of criticism.
Although the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have since announced a shock merger with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which bankrolls LIV Golf, Garcia believes Scott and Rose hold an advantage over him.
“I went to LIV, so I’m probably a little behind,” said Garcia, when asked who among the trio would be considered the leading candidate to be elected. “If I didn’t go to LIV and everything that happened, probably me,” he then added.
“The next one to win a Major,” was what Scott came back with when asked who he thought would be most appealing of the three.
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.
A strong case can be made for all three; all have a Major Championship to their name, with Rose and Scott also boasting spells as the number one player in the world.
That’s one achievement missing from Garcia’s CV, but he has won 31 times around the world and as well as claiming a Green Jacket, he’s a former winner of what is widely regarded as golf’s unofficial fifth Major, The Players Championship.
All of which would, ordinarily, probably make the 43-year-old the favourite to enter the Hall of Fame in three years’ time.
The Hall of Fame committee that votes on finalists includes PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley, along with the leadership from Augusta National, PGA of America, the USGA and The R&A.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
How Adam Scott Helped Shape The Design Of The Two New L.A.B. Golf Putters
Today marks the exciting release of the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 collection. Let’s take a closer look at what golfers can expect…
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
The Three Most Confusing Rules In Golf And How To Interpret Them
At times, golf’s rules can be complex and confusing. Here we look at three of the most confusing rules in golf and give you the info you need to understand them.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Odyssey Golf And YouTube Stars Good Good Collaborate With New Putters
The YouTube group signed a deal with Callaway at the start of 2023 and will release their second limited-edition product together
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Seven-Handicap YouTube Star Defies Odds To Complete Hole-In-One Challenge
YouTube star and CEO of gaming organisation 100 Thieves 'Nadeshot' achieved the feat in little over an hour having rented out a course to put his skills to the test
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Who Are The No Laying Up Members?
Get to know the characters behind the hugely successful golf content creation company
By Ben Fleming Published
-
ESPN Agrees Deal To Broadcast First Season Of TGL
The new goal league, launched by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, is due to start in January 2024
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Robert MacIntyre Hints At PGA Tour Switch After Ryder Cup Success
The Scotsman admitted that he may have to make the move to America if he's to achieve all of his goals within the game
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Honorary European Ryan Fox 'Chuffed' By Europe's Ryder Cup Victory
The New Zealander admitted he was no neutral observer and was pulling for Luke Donald's side last week at Marco Simone
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Max Homa Commits To Debut Appearance In DP World Tour Event
The American will tee it up in the iconic tournament for the first time and will be joined in the field by compatriot Justin Thomas
By Ben Fleming Published
-
European Ryder Cup Heroes To Make Immediate Return At Dunhill Links Championship
Three of Luke Donald's side are set to return from Italy and tee it up in Scotland later this week
By James Nursey Published