LIV's Sergio Garcia denies "you're all f***ed" rant as he explains Wentworth WD
LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia has explained his alleged rant at the BMW International Open in Germany, his Ryder Cup thoughts and why he withdrew from Wentworth.
LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia says his alleged rant that was reportedly witnessed by Robert MacIntyre at the BMW International Open in Germany was "a big deal out of something that wasn't" as he lifted the lid on his withdrawal from the DP World Tour's flagship event at Wentworth.
Speaking to Tom Kershaw of The Times before LIV Golf's season-ending $50m team championship in Miami at Trump National Doral, Garcia said the only reason why he withdrew from Wentworth was down to the way he was being treated.
According to the 42-year-old Spaniard, who finally broke his major duck at the 2017 Masters, he didn't feel right after witnessing the press conferences involving DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley and prominent LIV critic Billy Horschel.
Related: Nine players who changed their mind about LIV Golf
Horschel tore into the LIV players at Wentworth. The American called the LIV players "hypocrites". He was later pictured in what looked like a bit of a tense exchange with Ian Poulter, but the Englishman later poured cold water on suggestions there was any animosity.
As for Garcia, he withdrew from the tournament after firing an opening round of 76. The tournament was delayed and later reduced to 54 holes due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Garcia left and reportedly gave no medical reason to tour officials. He was later pictured in America at a college football game. He has now been fined, according to sources familiar with the matter.
He told The Times:
Garcia is known for his outbursts on the course.
He is a passionate player but he was involved in an extraordinary exchange with a PGA Tour rules official at the 2022 Wells Fargo Championship at TPC Potomac in May.
In fairness, he was absolutely hosed by the ruling. It was wrong. The PGA Tour later admitted they got it wrong.
But in the moment that did not stop him from ranting that he "couldn't wait" to leave the PGA, hinting at his defection to LIV.
Garcia was also one of several DP World Tour members who were fined £100,000 for teeing it up in LIV Golf's inaugural event in June.
When that was confirmed, he reportedly flew off the handle. This was said to have been witnessed by the aforementioned Scot, Bob MacIntyre.
Related: Golf Channel co-host labels Garcia "most unprofessional ever"
MacIntyre never spoke on the record about this incident but he did post on his social media: "Amazing how fast you can lose respect for someone that you've looked up to all your life."
Garcia told The Times of this moment:
Garcia has recently confirmed that his career in the Ryder Cup is essentially over. He has failed to participate in the minimum number of events required for selection in 2023 even if he isn't banned.
He told Kershaw:
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