Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia has revealed Luke Donald told him he had “no chance” of making the Ryder Cup team.
Garcia, who is Europe’s all-time record points scorer for the biennial competition, recently resigned from the DP World Tour making him ineligible to represent his continent.
However, the Spaniard was previously optimistic of making the team despite his decision to defect to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
“I talked to him (Donald) two or three weeks ago,” said Garcia.
“I had to make some decisions when it comes down to the DP World Tour, and I wanted to see where I stood with regards to the Ryder Cup.
“Luke obviously is a good friend, but I wanted him to be sincere and tell me the truth and he pretty much told me that I had no chance. Obviously that made my decision a little bit easier.
“It was sad because I felt like, not only because of my history but the way I’ve been playing, that I probably could have a chance (of making the Ryder Cup).
“But it didn’t sound like it, so that’s what it is. It sounded like my chance was slim to none.”
This year’s Ryder Cup is set to take place from September 29 – October 1 at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.