In a clear statement to the golfing world, DP World Tour Chief Executive Officer Guy Kinnings told the BBC on Monday that the tour will not grant membership to players who commit to LIV Golf for the 2027 season. The decision reflects the tour’s longstanding rules and regulations, which Kinnings said exist to safeguard the tour’s reputation and the honor of representing Europe in the Ryder Cup.
Tour’s rationale
“We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by,” Kinnings explained. “Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour.” The DP World Tour emphasizes that membership is a prerequisite for competing for Europe in the Ryder Cup, and it will enforce the policy rigorously.
LIV Golf’s uncertain future
LIV Golf, which has been navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy after the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew its financial backing, recently secured new funding from BC Partners Credit. The organization has been working to restructure contracts, including terminating Sergio Garcia’s deal and processing release requests from high‑profile players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong‑hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale and Matthew Wolff.
Impact on players
Former world number one Jon Rahm has already confirmed he will not join LIV Golf, underscoring the divide within the professional golf community. Some top players previously received conditional releases that allowed them to compete on both tours, but the new policy eliminates that flexibility. The DP World Tour warned that it could terminate the membership of any player who fails to disclose an intention to play for LIV and then competes on the rival circuit.
Reactions
While LIV Golf has not provided an immediate comment, the announcement has been met with mixed responses. Critics argue that the ban limits player freedom, but the DP World Tour maintains that protecting the tour’s competitive integrity and the prestige of the Ryder Cup outweighs individual contractual choices.
What’s next
Players facing the decision will need to choose between the financial incentives offered by LIV Golf and the opportunity to compete for Europe in the Ryder Cup under the DP World Tour banner. The tour’s firm stance signals a commitment to preserving traditional values in professional golf and ensuring that its members adhere to established standards.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
