Eddie Pepperell has clarified his controversial comments about Sergio Garcia after appearing to accuse the Spaniard of having dementia following his decision to leave LIV Golf.

The 46-year-old had his LIV Golf contract terminated earlier this month as part of the league's 2.0 restructure. Garcia has now confirmed his next move, announcing that he will return to the DP World Tour after four years away.

However, his return may not be welcomed by everyone who remained on the DP World Tour when several high-profile players left for LIV Golf in 2022. Among them is Pepperell, who finished 101st in the DP World Tour rankings and narrowly missed out on retaining his card for next season. Only the top 100 players secured their playing rights.

He will therefore need to qualify through Q-School or secure sponsor exemptions to compete in upcoming events.

Garcia, meanwhile, is set to return to DP World Tour action despite spending four years away from the circuit and previously criticizing players who chose not to join LIV Golf.

Pepperell took aim at the 2017 Masters champion in response to his announcement, questioning whether Garcia's statement was genuine. The 35-year-old wrote on X: "This has to be Sergio trolling us? Surely. Elite level s----------, this. Or has he got dementia?"

Pepperell later clarified that his criticism was not directed at Garcia's ability as a golfer, admitting the Spaniard was one of his favorites growing up, even ahead of Tiger Woods. However, he questioned Garcia's self-awareness

"To be clear, I think Sergio Garcia is still a wonderful player," he wrote on X. "He was my favorite golfer growing up, ahead of Tiger. And I can see the value he still brings, ahead of me certainly. But his statement today shows a remarkable lack of self-awareness. Like, a stunning amount."

Another factor behind Pepperell's criticism is Garcia's previous comments about players who chose not to join LIV Golf when he first left the DP World Tour.

Following a fine and ban from the Scottish Open in 2022, Garcia reportedly lashed out at the circuit, saying: "This Tour is s---, you're all f-----, should have taken the Saudi money."

His outburst was directed at players who remained on the PGA Tour rather than accepting the lucrative offers from LIV Golf.

Garcia subsequently gave up his DP World Tour membership in May 2023 before seeking reinstatement in November 2024, after settling more than $1 million in fines for competing in conflicting events.

Garcia is not the only LIV player considering a return to the American circuit. Lucas Herbert revealed at LIV Golf New York in August that his agent had contacted the PGA Tour, while Cameron Smith admitted he would consider returning if it became a last resort.