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Garcia, like all other players who left the DP
World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) for the
Saudi-backed LIV Golf, was omitted from captain Luke Donald's
playing roster. The U.S. team will feature just one LIV player,
Brooks Koepka.
Rahm threw his support behind Garcia, the winningest player in
Ryder Cup history, becoming a vice captain for the European
squad. Garcia has 25 wins, 13 losses and seven halves in his
career. Europe's Nick Faldo (23 victories) and the United
States' Arnold Palmer (22) rank next on the all-time wins list.
"I think it would be really stupid of anybody not to lean on
Sergio Garcia's experience in the Ryder Cup," Rahm said
Wednesday ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf
Club in Surrey, England. "I mean, he is the best player Europe
has ever had, won the most points and has shown it time and time
again. If he were able to be a vice captain, I absolutely would
lean on him. Same as we are going to lean on (Jose Maria
Olazabal) this coming Ryder Cup, right."
Addressing the potential Ryder Cup playing careers of Garcia and
English golfers Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who all defected
to LIV, Rahm said, "When it comes to the game and all those
players being able to be back, it's been a difficult time.
Obviously things have changed a little bit. I wouldn't know how
to answer because we are going to have to see if it's possible
or not, right?
"I would like to see it, but unfortunately we've seen some of
those players give up their (DP World) Tour status where that's
no longer a possibility. So I would like to see it but we don't
know what the future holds, right? I think with this agreement
or this possible union between the PGA Tour, DP World and PIF
might change things a little bit."
The Ryder Cup is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone
Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy. The United
States is the defending champion, having won 19-9 at Whistling
Straits in Sheboygan, Wis., in 2021.
--Field Level Media
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