After His Massive Setback, Is Sergio Garcia Still Eligible to Play at the 2023 Masters?

The time is ticking for the highly anticipated Masters to begin next week. While many are excited to see top-quality of golf displayed at Augusta National, many are worried about the awkward interaction between the PGA Tour stars and LIV Golf defectors. One such former American Tour player is Sergio Garcia,who’s relations with professional golf and golfers have changed considerably since his move. But after facing another setback in world golf rankings, is Garcia even competing at the 2023 Masters?

After playing in the PGA Tour and European Tour since 1999, Garcia decided to join the LIV Golf last year. Like many other defectors, the Spaniard was also heavily scrutinized. Nonetheless, Sergio has moved on and looks to win more in the lucrative Tour.

But as the golf world begins for an encounter between the best in the PGA Tour against the defectors of LIV Golf, Garcia may have to face his former friend,  Rory McIlroy at the first Major of the season. But will the Spainaird even receive an invitation to Augusta National, especially after his new setback in the World Golf Rankings?

Will Sergio Garcia be participating in next week’s Masters?

Though initially, they were many speculations of a suspension on the breakaway Tour defectors from competing in Majors, the fans were given a clear statement at the end of last year. The Augusta National Golf Club confirmed the eligibility of LIV Golf players to compete in the Masters. Nonetheless, there are varied criteria to qualify for the iconic Major.

One of the options is to be in the top 50 ranked golfers. Unfortunately for Sergio Garcia, he was further dropped to 153rd rank in the latest OWGR updated list. Apart from this, any player with a Major win apart from Masters will receive an invitation to Augusta National for the next five years. Garcia’s last and only Major win came back in 2017 which means he would not be offered an invitation from this year onwards.

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However, Sergio’s maiden Major victory from six years ago was none other than the Masters, which means he would receive an invitation to Augusta National for a lifetime. Moreover, he has been a participant in the Major since his pro debut in 1999, only missing the 2020th edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While he will receive an invitation for the upcoming Major, Sergio Garcia hasn’t confirmed his participation yet. As his fans eagerly wait for an update, the Spaniard looks to prepare himself to outshine every other golfer on the Augusta National Golf Course next week. But can he replicate his performance from the 2017 Masters to win another Green Jacket?

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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