November 17 was many things. It was a day of rest for many. Meanwhile, for others, including Nelly Korda and Rafael Campos, it was a day of victory. Similarly, for Sergio Garcia, it proved to be nothing short of an iconic day. The reason? All thanks to the DP World Tour’s deadline to submit the membership application. But now, with the Spaniard’s recent move, focus, not to mention criticism, has fallen on the European circuit for its decisions that inevitably forced the LIV Golf Pros, including him, out in the first place.

A tweet was posted in reply to the news of Garcia submitting the same to the DP World Tour on Sunday by Flushing It. The X handle went ahead to mention how much of a “complete farce” the relationship between the two circuits is. “The leadership are now fully admitting they made a huge mistake and the latest move shows a level of desperation that everyone could see coming,” wrote the handle while alluding to how the DPWT is sanctioning them for playing the competing events.

It then went ahead to recount the whole past of how the circuit took legal action against LIV golfers, including Sergio Garcia, allowing them to fine those who joined the league. Then the handle pointed out how they are “desperate” to bring them back. “Even actively encouraging them to use a loophole in the rules to avoid further immediate sanctions. It’s an utter embarrassment.”

Yes, you read that right! The handle also took to criticize the DP World Tour for trying to increase the field strength, all the while negotiating for better deals. What’s more, as read above, they were also criticized for reportedly waiting for the PGA Tour-PIF merger to happen. Suffice it to say, the fans weren’t too happy with the European Tour either!

Fans were sent into a frenzy following the recent decision by Sergio Garcia

Back in 2023, the PGA Tour and European Tour decided to award 10 golfers on the latter circuit with a membership card to the Jay Monahan-led circuit. As a result, the top 10 athletes on the DP World Tour Eligibility Ranking will earn a card to participate in the PGA Tour events the following season. This year was no different with the likes of Rasmus Hojgaard, Thirston Lawrence, and others heading to the Tour in 2025.

Ever since the decision was made by both the Tours, many failed to see the rationale behind the same. Some even pointed out the situation as being detrimental to the European circuit, all the while dubbing it a ‘Feeder Tour’ for the PGA Tour. A follower, as a result, commented, “The PGAT invested in the DPWT so that LIV couldn’t get WR points and prevent a merger. Also, it made it a feeder tour and subordinate to the guys in the US. Now they are a mess with few stars and being a subordinate tour. Would have been better off with a LIV merger.” 

Another person agreed as they responded with a similar reaction, “European Tour is now a feeder tour for the PGA Tour.” Meanwhile, a golfing enthusiast just called for the whole process to come to a stop as they commented, “Yet the PGA TOUR is taking 10 more players this year. Stop the bleeding. Pull out of the strategic alliance. Make the European tour great again!”

Back in September, the DP World Tour had reportedly rejected LIV Golf’s proposal to see the outstanding fines paid off along with the removal of the future restriction on its players, including Sergio Garcia. “We met with them and listened to their proposal but did not accept it,” said a Tour spokesperson. “Our view remains that the focus should continue to be on all stakeholders working together to reach an overall solution that benefits our sport.” This was not the first time they rejected an offer from LIV, or more specifically, PIF. The European circuit had earlier rejected PIF’s offer only to join hands with the PGA Tour later on.

A couple of fans went ahead to highlight the same while throwing some shade over the DP World Tour. One person commented, “The DPWT stuffed this whole Saudi/PIF investment up royally. Imagine if they had the courage to take the original deal…they’d be flying!” Another, meanwhile, agreed as they responded, “I think everyone could see this coming. They signed the worst deal of all time with the PGA, knowingly giving away top players, now the name brands in golf will play with them again.”

Now, after all the drama, the question remains; Will Sergio Garcia be able to tee off in the Ryder Cup? Well, he is eligible if you’re asking that, but the question of him becoming part of the team depends on how he fares from now on. Fingers crossed for the veteran!