DP World Tour to refuse LIV players in 2027 season

The DP World Tour announced it will disallow any players who sign up for LIV Golf next season to join its circuit in 2027. The tour emphasized that players must choose which tour they will play on, taking a more stringent approach compared to previous years. Memberships to the DP World Tour are a prerequisite for participating in Ryder Cup matches.

Deadlines for joining both tours are approaching within the next five weeks, although the future of LIV Golf remains uncertain despite securing potential funding. DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings stated that the tour's rules and regulations are in place to protect its interests and that players who refuse to comply should not seek membership.

In contrast to previous years when conditional releases were granted to top players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, allowing them to play on both tours, the new rule eliminates such exemptions. Only around 15 players, including Rahm, Hatton, Victor Perez, and Tom McKibbin, have existing status with the DP World Tour. Other LIV players, such as Joaquin Niemann and Thomas Pieters, would have to go through qualifying school or receive invitations from the DP World Tour, which would only be granted to those not planning to play in LIV in the future.

The DP World Tour will not accept membership from anyone intending to play on LIV 2.0. If players do not disclose their plans to play in LIV and subsequently do, their membership may be terminated. LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy protection in September amid restructuring efforts, following the withdrawal of funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

A potential $300 million financing deal from BC Partners Credit was announced last week to support the 2027 season. The DP World Tour's decision to implement the new rule is partly attributed to LIV Golf's offer of equity, which conflicts with the European tour's members-only structure. Additionally, this move aligns with ongoing negotiations between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour regarding a strategic alliance.

Players have until November 16 to sign up for the DP World Tour for the upcoming year. Despite the restructuring process, LIV Golf needs to sign players by October 25. Two-time major winners Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith have sought court clarification on contract rejections, enabling them to pursue other opportunities. Currently, Richard Bland is the sole player publicly expressing interest in participating in LIV 2.0, while Perez hopes for a future for the league.