It's been a remarkable achievement spanning over four decades, but Sergio Garcia's long stay inside the top 100 golfers in the world will finally end this week.
The 42-year-old broke into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) when he was just 19, and has since gone on to hang around the upper echelons of the professional game ever since.
July 4th 1999 was the date when the teenage Spaniard broke into golfing's elite, and it's been an incredible, unbroken stretch of 23 years and 21 weeks without losing that status.
OWGR guru on social media 'Nosferatu' (@VC606) posted about Garcia's memorable lengthy stay in the top tier - where he's remained all of this century.
It's a spell that has seen Garcia win the Masters and become the all-time record points scorer in the Ryder Cup, but his move to LIV Golf has meant that ranking points have dried up.
Garcia, who is having knee surgery this winter after suffering a torn meniscus, joined LIV Golf this summer and controversially left the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after not feeling wanted at the event.
He was reportedly fined for doing so by the DP World Tour, with another consequence of his departing being a sad end to his association with the Ryder Cup.
One of the mainstays of the European team for years, Garcia has scored more Ryder Cup points than anyone else in history, and would have been an easy choice for a future captain.
To his credit, Garcia has said he would rather now stay away from the event even if LIV golfers were allowed in to avoid being a distraction or create any damaging animosity within the team room.
🚨BREAKINGAfter this week, @TheSergioGarcia will drop out of the top 100 in the #OWGR for the first time after a remarkable, uninterrupted period of 23 years and 21 weeks, spanning over four decades!!He broke into top 100 on July 4th (!) 1999 at 19 yo and never left since...November 24, 2022
Vocal opponents to LIV Golf such as Rory McIlroy have continued to speak out against players with the Saudi-backed outfit being allowed to play in the Ryder Cup.
Garcia, though, does say he is happy he made the move to LIV Golf and also seems happy to take any consequences that come his way, so will no doubt accept his drop out of the top 100 in the rankings.
Battles will continue between Greg Norman and the various Tours and OWGR about whether LIV Golf should get ranking points, so Garcia's drop may only be temporary, but for now it's another sad landmark for the Spaniard.
Check out the Golf Monthly LIVE Black Friday blog to get the best deals on Rangefinders, Balls, Clubs, Shoes, Tech And more.
-
How Many Of These Boxes Do You Tick Before Hitting The Golf Ball? (Any Less Than 4 Could Be Costly)If these four crucial steps aren't a consistent part of your pre-shot routine, you will be costing yourself shots and valuable progress towards a lower handicap
-
Blades Brown Has Just Given Up His CJ Cup Byron Nelson Sponsor's Invite... And For A Good ReasonThe 17-year-old is officially listed in this week's Talum Championship field on the Korn Ferry Tour in order to focus on earning his status on the PGA Tour feeder circuit
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid AthletesTiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic FoursomesDefending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters DisplayAkshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters WinThe five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail PostmarkRory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
-
9 Things Rory McIlroy Still Has Left To Achieve In His CareerAfter becoming one of just six players ever to complete the career Grand Slam, what else could Rory McIlroy realistically achieve before retirement?
-
Rory McIlroy Invited To Old Trafford By Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim After Masters VictoryFollowing on from his Masters victory, McIlroy has received an invitation from Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, to show off his Green Jacket at Old Trafford
