'A hard decision' - Sergio Garcia admits it was difficult to give up on representing Europe at Ryder Cup

Sergio Garcia has admitted the decision to turn his back on Ryder Cup qualification was a hard one, but felt it better to vacate the stage following his decision to join LIV Golf. Spanish superstar Garcia was one of a host of big names to defect from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Ad Huge contracts were thrown at the star players, along with the chance to compete for a winner’s prize of $4 million at each LIV event.

Ryder Cup'It is a dream and a goal' — Hojgaard twins set sights on Ryder Cup qualification2 HOURS AGO The emergence of LIV has split the game, with all players from the PGA Tour either resigning their memberships or being suspended. United States players who joined LIV, such as Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau, have been banned from the Ryder Cup, but no decision has been made on the participation of European players. Garcia has a storied Ryder Cup career and his fellow countryman Jon Rahm has called for LIV players to be considered for selection.

Matsuyama makes slow start to ZOZO Championship defence, seven behind Steele 'It is a dream and a goal' — Hojgaard twins set sights on Ryder Cup qualification The likes of Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter could still be in the mix, but Garcia is set to miss out. Unless he tees it up at the Mallorca Open next week he will not have played enough events in Europe to be eligible for selection. Garcia failed to put his name on the entry list by last Friday’s deadline and although he could still compete via a sponsor’s invite, it appears he has made his mind up to step away.

“It was a hard decision,” Garcia said. “But unfortunately it doesn’t feel like I’m very welcome there, so I don’t want to be a bother to anyone. “I’ve always