DP World Tour wants answers over Sergio Garcia's BMW PGA Championship withdrawal
- Michael Schmitt
- 13 September 2022
Sergio Garcia could be fined by the DP World Tour if he fails to adequately explain the reason for his withdrawal from last week's BMW PGA Championship.
Garcia was one of a number of LIV Golf Tour rebels who chose to take part at Wentworth, but he pulled out before the second round of the tournament after posting a first-round 76.
The event was suspended for a full day on Friday following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but when play resumed on Saturday, Garcia was nowhere to be seen.
The DP World Tour has since confirmed the Spaniard faces a fine if he fails to provide "medical evidence deemed reasonable" for withdrawing.
Such evidence seems unlikely, given that Garcia was pictured at a college football game between Texas and Alabama in Austin, looking none the worse for wear, just a day after his Wentworth exit.
Due to the nature of Garcia's exit, no reserve was able to take his place, something which rankled none other than his own countryman, Jon Rahm.
The first reserve for the competition was Spanish golfer Alfredo Garcia-Heredia, a friend of Rahm's.
Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir tweeted: "Jon Rahm told me on Tuesday it was particularly personal for him that certain players were in the field this week as his good friend Alfredo Garcia-Heredia was first reserve.
"Had Sergio García withdrawn before his opening round rather than after it, AGH would have played."
Jon Rahm told me on Tuesday it was particularly personal for him that certain players were in the field this week as his good friend Alfredo García-Heredia was first reserve. Had Sergio García withdrawn before his opening round rather than after it, AGH would have played. https://t.co/6NYqGPBnc4
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 10, 2022
Shane Lowry went on to win the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday after it was shortened to 54 holes, and made his feelings on the LIV Golf rebels clear.
"I made no secret how I feel about the whole thing," Lowry said. "I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but for everyone that has stayed loyal to this tour. I really feel this is one for the good guys."
Meanwhile, Garcia will be return to to action this weekend for the fifth LIV Golf tournament in Chicago.
