Sergio Garcia And Greg Norman WhatsApp Messages Revealed In Lawsuit
A series of text messages between Garcia and Norman are part of the ongoing lawsuit filed by the LIV golfers
Another week and another dose of LIV Golf drama, as it was revealed by the Wall Street Journal that Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau are reportedly amongst 11 players to file an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.
Now, in yet another turn of events, a series of text messages have been released between Sergio Garcia and LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, with it appearing that Garcia was going to jump ship to the Saudi-backed series back in February.
Interesting to see how insistent Norman was (in these texts with Sergio) that the PGA Tour wouldn't and couldn't suspend players."They cannot ban you for one day let alone life." pic.twitter.com/foSDSIOg2LAugust 5, 2022
Texting Norman, Garcia wrote: “I just wanted to see how things are going with the League cause it seems like a lot of those guys that were loving it and excited about it last week, now are sh**ing their pants,” on 11th February.
Nearly a week later, the Spaniard wrote: “Hi Sharky! It’s official, the Tour has told our managers this week that whoever signs with the League, is banned from the Tour for life! I don’t know how are we gonna get enough good players to join the League under this condition.”
In response, the LIV Golf CEO, states that: “They cannot ban you for one day let alone life. It is a shallow threat.” Since the messages, both the DP World and PGA Tours have announced sanctions for the players that have moved to LIV, with Garcia reportedly 'flying off the handle' in an expletive rant at the BMW International Open.
Despite the tirade, Garcia announced on ESPN that he is "going to hold off" resigning his membership from the DP World Tour, stating: "I want to at least see what's happening when the Ryder Cup qualification starts. See what kind of rules and eligibilities they have in there. If I agree with what they [are], I'll definitely keep playing whatever I can on the Tour and try to qualify for that Ryder Cup team. And if not, then we'll move on. But it is definitely something that is in my mind."
Regarding players who have joined LIV, the Saudi-backed series has managed to attract the likes of Dustin Johnson, DeChambeau and Mickelson, with 11 Major champions now on the roster.
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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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