The DP World Tour has delivered a firm message to LIV Golf players as uncertainty over the breakaway league’s future continues to grow, making it clear that members will have to choose where they intend to compete next season.
Chief executive Guy Kinnings confirmed the Tour’s position in an official statement, signalling a major change to the arrangements that previously allowed selected LIV Golf players to compete on both circuits.
“Players need to make a choice,” Kinnings said.
“As we have said for many years, we have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by. Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour.”
The decision means the DP World Tour will no longer grant membership or special exemptions to players intending to compete in LIV Golf events during the 2027 season. In previous years, selected players were permitted to maintain their membership after accepting specific conditions, including settling outstanding fines and committing to additional DP World Tour tournaments.
The change comes at a critical moment for LIV Golf, which is attempting to establish a new structure after losing the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The league has been pursuing fresh investment and asking players to commit to its proposed LIV Golf 2.0 model ahead of the 2027 season.
Jon Rahm is among the biggest names whose future has already become uncertain. The Spaniard has indicated that he will not participate in LIV Golf’s proposed new version, while Sergio Garcia has secured the termination of his contract. Other players have also sought clarification over whether they can obtain similar contractual freedom.
The DP World Tour’s decision could have significant consequences for players such as Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin, who have previously been allowed to compete on both tours. Under the new approach, players intending to remain with LIV Golf will not be able to rely on the same dual-membership arrangements in 2027.
The implications extend beyond tournament schedules. Membership of the DP World Tour is a requirement for players seeking to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, meaning the decision could affect the eligibility of LIV Golf players who wish to feature in future editions of the team competition.
Players have until October 25 to commit to LIV Golf’s proposed new structure, while the DP World Tour’s deadline for 2027 membership applications is November 16. The two deadlines leave players with important decisions to make as they weigh their contractual commitments and competitive opportunities.
For the DP World Tour, Kinnings’ message is clear: players who want to compete on the circuit must comply with its regulations. For LIV Golf, the decision adds another challenge to an already difficult rebuilding process, with its ability to retain established stars likely to play a major role in determining the league’s future.
