European Tour gives LIV golfers ultimatum and shuts door on playing both

The European Tour has issued a stark ultimatum to LIV Golfers, forbidding them from participating in both its events and LIV Golf. This decision comes after the tour previously permitted LIV players to retain their European memberships by paying fines for conflicting events. With the deadline of October 25 fast approaching, players must decide whether to remain loyal to the beleaguered circuit or join LIV Golf.

Guy Kinnings, the chief executive of the European Tour, declared in a statement that players who choose to join LIV will forfeit their membership. Earlier this year, the tour had granted an olive branch to nine players, allowing them to compete in LIV events without penalties if they settled past fines and added European Tour events to their 2026 schedules.

However, Kinnings now presents a stark choice: us or them. LIV Golf finds itself in bankruptcy after Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund withdrew financial support, but the circuit is attempting to emerge by securing a $300 million investment from BC Partners. This move focuses on a 10-tournament season emphasizing team competition and player ownership in LIV 2.0.

Players have until October 25 to decide, which could determine the future of LIV Golf. The European Tour insists that its rules and regulations are in place to protect the tour and that members must abide by them. Players who do not comply will face termination of membership. Furthermore, to compete in the Ryder Cup next September, players must be European Tour members, adding significant pressure on golfers like Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Maurer, and Thomas Detry.

Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion, has indicated his intention to terminate his LIV contract in a bankruptcy hearing, while Sergio Garcia and David Puig have expressed their readiness to join the European Tour. The European Tour is also negotiating a renewed alliance with the PGA Tour, which would provide commercial opportunities and a path for the top 10 players on the Race to Dubai to secure PGA Tour cards.

However, LIV players face a one-year ban from the PGA Tour dating back to their last appearance in LIV Golf, and the European Tour has now added the requirement of choosing a tour.