Sergio Garcia confirms LIV Golf exit and targets Ryder Cup return: "Let's get to work"

Sergio Garcia has become the latest major winner to confirm he is quitting LIV Golf. 

The 2017 Masters champion announced on Thursday he has decided to play on the DP World Tour in 2027 and is also keeping his "options open" about making a return to the PGA Tour. 

Major champions Jon Rahm, Louis Oosthuizen and Graeme McDowell have already announced they are leaving the competition. 

Garcia also joins his former Ryder Cup teammate, Ian Poulter, out the exit door. 

"Next season I'll be playing on the DP World Tour," Garcia said in a statement published on his Instagram. 

"This tour has been a huge part of my career from the very beginning, and I'm proud to call it home again. 

"I'm also keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour.

"And probably the most exciting part for me is strengthening personal relationships, both new and old."

"There are some great tournaments around the world to play before Augusta next April, and I can't wait to get back to the Masters."

Garcia was among the first players to be recruited by the LIV Golf in 2022. 

He won two individual titles with LIV, but his record in the four men's majors was modest since his mega-money move was modest at best.

His best result since joining LIV was a tie for 12th at the 2024 U.S. Open. 

In April, Garcia hit the headlines for the wrong reasons entirely after he let his temper get the better of him.

During the final round, Garcia smashed his driver into the second tee box in anger and then hit a nearby water cooler. 

Geoff Yang, the chairman of the Masters competition committee, issued a code-of-conduct warning to Garcia.

Garcia was initially non-apologetic after his round, but expressed remorse days later. 

"I left Augusta last year disappointed with myself and my actions, and I'm ready to show what I've learned and where I am mentally," said Garcia. 

"Augusta has given me some of the greatest moments of my life, and I'd love nothing more than to chase another green jacket at such a special place. 

"I'm excited to get to work and excited to grind."

Garcia will now target a return to the European Ryder Cup team. 

The 46-year-old is Europe's record points scorer having amassed a whopping 28.5 points across 10 appearances. 

The 2027 Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor next September. 

"It's a big year ahead with the Ryder Cup, and I'm going to work my tail off for every chance I can get at more majors and the biggest events in the game," said Garcia. 

"Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team, and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be.

"In golf, everything is earned and nothing is given. Let's get to work."

LIV Golf are still confident of launching a new competition in 2027. 

The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September following the decision of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to withdraw its financial support. 

London-based credit firm, BC Partners, are set to bankroll LIV in the future. 

They have pledged $300m in funding, but the deal appears to be contingent on a "critical mass" of players committing to the new venture. 

The Financial Times reported at the beginning of the week that enough players had signed up to keep hopes of a new league alive. 

It remains to be seen whether their star player, two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau, will continue with LIV Golf.