Leader Sergio Garcia Breaks Down Golf ‘Stereotypes’ With Unique Personal Touch

How do you see golf? A sport played with a team or as an individual? Well, it has always been an individual sport, but LIV changed the scene in 2022, breaking the stereotype associated with the sport. LIV Golf’s team concept was one thing that kept the OWGR points from them, according to the chairman, Peter Dawson. It was also something that the golf world couldn’t wrap its head around. However, the team championship was lucrative for the pros, and now it seems it also benefits them in their personal lives. We aren’t the ones saying it; it’s Sergio Garcia.

The Spaniard posted a sort of emotional tweet on X and highlighted the importance of teamwork in life. The 1-time Masters winner described ‘teams’ in golf as something other than their usual meaning. He accepted that many might not understand it, but later claimed, “A team is the greatest thing an athlete could ask for.” Why was Garcia endorsing the team concept just because he was a LIV-bound player? Surprisingly, no.

The 43-year-old pro revealed that he has been traveling with his family for the past 5 weeks. And throughout that period, he had to teach his children different lessons. At that time, it was the ethics of teamwork and coming together as a unit that worked for the Garcia family, where even his team, FireBall GC, helped. Thus, he gave kudos to them and said, “Love this team and so proud of these guys,” while hoping to finish the 2024 season better than before. The LIV Golf Andalucia event saw a Spanish victory all around! Garcia won the individual event, and his team won the team championship.

The team concept has been one such innovative format of the disruptive league, as many on the PGA Tour play in teams once or twice. But on the other hand, the LIV golfers engage in it for 14 events every season. The fascinating team element of golf, a sport that is played individually has been praised a lot by the LIV golfers. It has grown their camaraderie off and on the course, and, per the 2-time US Open winner, that is one reason why he thinks LIV is amazing.

Like Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau also loves the LIV team concept

LIV Golf has been different since the start. There have been fewer days to play, more money, and a limited field. But what appealed to Bryson DeChambeau was the aspect of having his franchise. The captain of Crushers GC chose his teammates quite well and has maintained a closer relationship with them. Anirban Lahiri even said that the three teammates have been just like a “step-dad” to the 2-time US Open winner.

Perhaps that’s why, at the LIV Golf Houston press conference, DeChambeau exclaimed at the team concept and said, “That’s why LIV is amazing.” He further added that it allows golfers to rely on each other during difficult times. He said, “I was in a really bad position last year in Singapore, and those guys [Lahiri, Paul Casey, and Charles Howell III] lifted me up.”

Even his mother, Jan DeChambeau, confirmed that DeChambeau loves his team. So, it seems that the love for their teams runs in every LIV Golf pro’s veins. Whether the golf world backs it up or not, DeChambeau and Garcia will always endorse the team concept.