DP World Tour Bans LIV Golf Players from 2027 Season
European golf circuit requires players to choose between tours, taking a stricter stance than in previous years.
The DP World Tour has announced that players who join LIV Golf for its next season will be ineligible to be members of the European tour circuit in 2027. This decision marks a significant shift in policy, requiring players to commit to one tour and departing from previous practices where conditional releases allowed some top golfers to compete on both.
According to Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, players must now "make a choice." He emphasized that the tour has rules and regulations designed to protect its circuit, and members are expected to comply. Players unwilling to adhere to these rules will not be considered for membership on the DP World Tour.
Previously, the DP World Tour granted releases to several prominent players, including Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, permitting them to participate in LIV Golf events. However, for the upcoming season, players will be asked to declare their tour affiliations, a declaration that will influence membership decisions.
The DP World Tour's decision is reportedly influenced by LIV Golf's potential offering of equity to players, which is viewed as incompatible with the DP World Tour's structure as a member-based organization. The move also coincides with ongoing negotiations for a strategic alliance between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, suggesting a desire to strengthen the DP World Tour's position in these discussions.
Players have until November 16 to register for DP World Tour membership for the following year. Meanwhile, LIV Golf, under its court-supervised restructuring, needs to secure player commitments by October 25.
Despite securing significant funding, the future landscape of LIV Golf remains subject to some uncertainty. While LIV's head, Ted Goldthorpe, has expressed confidence in assembling a critical mass of players, notable golfers like two-time major champion Jon Rahm have indicated they will not continue with LIV. Lawyers for other players, including Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, have sought court clarification on contract terminations to allow for discussions with third parties. Richard Bland has publicly stated his intention to play in LIV 2.0, while other players have expressed hope for the league's continuation.