Garcia is an emotional character, his career potted with volcanic episodes. The Ryder Cup is central to his identity. His Spanish heritage, lavish talent and quick temperament bind him indelibly to the legacy created by the founding father of the European concept, Seve Ballesteros. Though Garcia’s move to LIV ruptured his relationship with former team-mates and European tour members, his reproachment with Rory McIlroy, with whom he had a visceral falling out, signalled a brighter future.
Pelley is a bureaucrat. He answered Garcia in accordance with the articles of membership. The rules state Garcia is illegible to apply for membership until next year. Though there are many who agree with Pelley’s stance, Garcia’s Spanish partner from, Jon Rahm, is not among them. Rahm was vocal in his support for Garcia at Wentworth last week and made clear his view that Garcia should return.
Garcia has also spoken with Donald since Pelley’s rejection, wishing him and the team well. It was with Donald that Garcia triggered what has become known as the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012, putting the first European point of the afternoon on the board after the scores had stood at 10-4. The recollection of what unfolded remains undimmed.“It was looking like a beatdown. At 10-4, we were doomed. I remember perfectly. We were playing Tiger [Woods] and [Steve] Stricker.
Garcia made his Ryder Cup debut in the year he turned pro, 1999. He was 19 years old. His amateur successes primed us for the next Ballesteros, a wonderfully gifted ball-striker, who could shape it both ways and conjure any escape. A month before Brookline in only his second major as a pro he entered golfing folklore at the PGA Championship at Medinah, where else, bending it like Beckham from the base of a tree and chasing it up the 16th fairway onto the green.