'I’m Sure Some Guys Will Be Tense About It' - Sergio Garcia Ahead Of Wentworth Appearance

Garcia strikes his tee shot with a LIV Golf board in the background

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 4 September 2022

We are just days away from the world's elite teeing it up at the BMW PGA Championship, with a full field announced ahead of what will likely be an enthralling event for a number of reasons...

Not only are the likes of Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm teeing it up, but also multiple LIV Golf players. Unsurprisingly, a lot has been made of this, with both McIlroy and Fitzpatrick stating that they feel "disappointed" that those on the Saudi-backed circuit will be able to feature at Wentworth.

Fitzpatrick and McIlroy wait on the tee — Fitzpatrick and McIlroy will be two of the main headliners at Wentworth

Because of the tension, Martin Kaymer, who has featured in all four LIV events, has withdrawn from the tournament, with the former World No.1 claiming that: "There will be friction there, that's why I'm not going. I don't need to go to a place where, feel-wise, you're not that welcome. They don't say it, but (it's there)."

One LIV golfer who will be teeing it up though is Sergio Garcia, with the Spaniard explaining his decision to Golf Digest following the second round of the LIV Golf Invitational Boston.

“I’m sure some guys will be tense about it [because] we’re going to go out there and play," explained the 42-year-old. "What I’m going to do is support the European Tour and that’s all I can do. Whoever doesn't like it, too bad for them.”

What has been the DP World Tour's reaction to the LIV golfers? Well, in a memo from CEO, Keith Pelley, obtained by The Golf Channel, it read: “They will not be given any on course competitive disadvantage – i.e. unfavorable tee times – but they will not be required to play in the pro-am on Wednesday and will not be in TV featured groups.”

Sergio Garcia being interviewed at the LIV Golf Invitational London — Garcia has featured in all four LIV Golf events

Back at the end of June, the PGA And DP World Tours strengthened their alliance amid the LIV Golf threat, as the two organisations struck a deal that will hold until 2035.

Despite the deal, the DP World Tour is still operated separately from its American counterpart, thus players from the Saudi-backed series are in the field for the tournament despite being banned by the PGA Tour.

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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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