LIV Golfer Is Not ‘Comfortable’ With Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm’s Desperation Despite His Hardcore Inclination

The likes of Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and other LIV Golf pros have faced a lot of issues trying to find their way back to the DP World Tour, majors, and Ryder Cup. While they were allowed to partake in the events until earlier this year, the validation of their status in the said tournaments has since expired.

With their Ryder Cup places hanging in balance, these LIV Golf players have tried to find their own way back into contention. Based on the regulations set by the DP World Tour, the players would have had to either pay fines or contest their bans in courts to be allowed to play in the European circuit again.

The reports of both John Rahm and Sergio Garcia along with other LIV Golf players choosing either of the steps had been in the news for some time now. Their efforts paid off a few weeks ago after a major announcement from the DP World Tour.

As per the statement made by the officials of the European Tour, Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Tyrrell Hatton, and 3 more LIV Golf players were reinstated to the DP World Tour for the 2025 season. Much to the pleasure of the fans, the stars are now eligible to play in the European Tour events, qualify for the Ryder Cup, and play in the 4 majors of the season if they are eligible.

However, one player who was not included in the list of pros who were reinstated was Lee Westwood. Golf veteran, Westwood was hesitant about the terms set by the DP World Tour to reinstate the players.

Westwood’s statement, “I’ve not lost interest in the DP World Tour” may raise concerns for some fans. He along with another golf legend, Ian Poulter, refused to succumb to the DP World Tour’s terms and denied the opportunity to join their fellow LIV Golf pros. In an interview for Golf Magic, Ian Westwood stated that he “doesn’t feel comfortable paying the fines, especially with future sanctions not being clear.” However, he did hint at a possible return in the future once “there is clarity on future fines and suspensions.”

Speaking about how far LIV Golf, DP World Tour, and PGA Tour have come in finding common ground, Westwood said, “We’ve come a long way in two years and hopefully we’re closer to a resolution.” He further added, “A resolution would be best for golf.”

While there are no reports of progress in the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger, it seems unlikely that the DP World Tour will also collaborate with LIV Golf until the issue is resolved. That means we might not see Lee Westwood play in the DP World Tour until the PGA Tour-PIF deal is done.

Ian Poulter had shared similar views earlier this week regarding the issue. Let’s see what he had to say.

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood share the same opinion

Two legends in the world of golf, both playing LIV Golf, and both criticizing the DP World Tour, this definitely rings alarm bells. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Poulter shared how ridiculous it was for the DP World Tour to fine Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, and co. in millions of dollars. The 16-time European tour winner also stated how his associates from LIV Golf might need to pay the fines every year to participate in future DP World Tour and Ryder Cup events which seemed ridiculous to him.

Poulter also went on to predict the fines Garcia might incur next year. He said, “Sergio will play 14 LIV events next year, finable of £100,000 a week. He or LIV would have spent £2.4m to give him that freedom to have a chance. That’s a lot of money spent to try and make a [Ryder Cup] team.”

Do you agree with Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter’s views on the unfair fines? If so, what solution would you propose that would be mutually beneficial for the DP World Tour and the LIV Golf players? Share your views in the comments section.