The DP World Tour has confirmed that it will exclude any golfer who commits to LIV Golf for the upcoming 2027 season. In a move marking a significant hardening of its stance compared to previous years, the European-based circuit has declared that players must select which tour they wish to represent.
Guy Kinnings, the CEO of the DP World Tour, emphasized that the decision is rooted in existing regulations designed to safeguard the integrity of the tour. “Players need to make a choice,” Kinnings stated in an interview with BBC Sport. “We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by. Those unwilling to comply should not seek membership.”
Previously, the tour had granted conditional releases to high-profile athletes such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, allowing them to compete in both the DP World Tour and LIV Golf events simultaneously. However, the landscape is shifting. For the 2027 season, players will be required to disclose their intended tour commitments, and this declaration will directly influence their eligibility for DP World Tour membership.
The directive carries substantial implications for international competition, as membership on the DP World Tour is a prerequisite for representing Europe in the Ryder Cup. Approximately 15 LIV-affiliated players currently hold status on the European circuit, including Rahm, Hatton, Victor Perez, and Tom McKibbin. Other notable figures like Joaquin Niemann and Thomas Pieters lack this status and would need to navigate qualifying school or secure specific invitation agreements, which would no longer be available to active LIV participants.
The policy change coincides with ongoing uncertainty regarding LIV Golf’s future. The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September following the withdrawal of multi-billion dollar funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Although LIV recently announced a potential $300 million financing deal with BC Partners Credit to support its 2027 season, the structural dynamics of the sport are changing.
A DP World Tour source indicated that the refusal to accept LIV-affiliated players stems partly from LIV’s proposal to offer equity to its participants, a model the European tour views as incompatible with its status as a members’ organization. Additionally, the move is seen as a strategic positioning ahead of negotiations for a broader alliance between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.
Deadlines are approaching rapidly. DP World Tour players have until November 16 to register for the 2027 season, while LIV Golf must finalize its player sign-ups by October 25 under its court-supervised restructuring. While Ted Goldthorpe of BC Partners Credit expressed confidence that LIV would attract a “critical mass” of players, top stars are beginning to distance themselves. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm recently announced he would not continue with LIV, citing unacceptable terms. Meanwhile, lawyers for players including Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith are seeking court clarity on whether rejecting contracts constitutes termination, allowing them to explore opportunities with other tours. As of now, Richard Bland remains the only player to publicly express a desire to join LIV 2.0, though Perez has previously hinted at a potential future for the league.
Poor golfers, stuck in the middle again. One wrong move and their career funding vanishes overnight.
Seems like typical corporate posturing ahead of the PGA Tour merger talks. Pure strategy, not really about integrity at all.
This complicates the Ryder Cup teams significantly. How will Europe fill the spots if half their top players are banned?
I am surprised this is happening now. The bankruptcy news must have forced their hand much earlier than expected.
Finally, a clear stance. It is high time the tours stopped letting players cherry-pick events for maximum profit.