“It’s my favorite major, so I would love to be back in it with not playing the last couple of years.” These words, spoken by Sergio Garcia during the 2025 International Series Macau, underscored his desire to return to the Open Championship. With three coveted spots in the major up for grabs at the Macau event, Garcia was determined to finish among the top three and secure his ticket to the major. The 2017 Masters champion had been seeking to return to the Open Championship, and this tournament presented a prime opportunity.

However, Garcia’s dreams were dashed when he narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the 2025 Open Championship. The agony! Garcia’s heart sank as he watched his three-foot birdie putt slip away on the final hole. That tiny miss proved to be a crushing blow, robbing him of a share of third place and, more painfully, a guaranteed spot in the Open Championship. Instead, Garcia was left to ponder what could’ve been, finishing a mere stroke shy of his dream in solo fourth at -15. He finished just one shot behind Jason Kokrak, who claimed the third and final Open Championship spot.

The Macau event ultimately proved to be a successful one for several other golfers, including Patrick Reed, Carlos Ortiz, and Jason Kokrak. Reed finished solo second behind Ortiz, who won the tournament and expressed his joy at securing a spot in the Open Championship. Kokrak, who finished third, will also make his return to the Open Championship which is his first since 2022.  The beneficiaries are certainly happy about their win and are not shy about expressing their joy.

Ortiz was ecstatic after securing a spot at The Open Championship, thanks to his three-shot victory at the International Series Macau on Sunday. “I am overjoyed to be heading to The Open,” Ortiz said, after closing out his week with a brilliant six-under 64 to reach 22-under. Ortiz’s victory marked a milestone – his second Asian Tour title, building on his impressive International Series Oman win last season. And the secret to his success? Ortiz attributed it to his pinpoint driving accuracy. “I think I did a good job of putting the ball in play… I drove it really well. I took advantage of the par fives and some of the short par fours.”

But you might be surprised to know that despite such a big defeat, Garcia still has some chances to make it to his ‘favorite major’.

Major hopes aren’t completely lost for Sergio Garcia

Back in February, the R&A announced a new exemption category that allows LIV Golf players to qualify for the Open Championship. This move has opened up a pathway for Garcia and other LIV Golf players to compete in one of golf’s most prestigious events. But how exactly? According to the new rules, the leading player not already exempt, finishing in the top 5 of the 2025 Individual Season standings after LIV Golf Dallas, will earn a ticket to the prestigious tournaments. Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, explained, “The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers and each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways into the championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours.”

This new pathway is a significant boost for LIV Golf players, who have been struggling to find a way into the majors. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil welcomed the R&A’s decision, saying, “The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports. The acknowledgment that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world.” With this new opportunity, Sergio Garcia and other LIV Golf players will have a chance to compete in the majors and fulfill their golfing dreams. So, do you think Garica can make it to the major? Let us know in the comment section below!