DP World Tour bans LIV players for 2027

The DP World Tour has issued a stark ultimatum: players who plan to join LIV Golf’s 2027 season will not be allowed to remain members of the European tour ^[1]. This marks a hardening of stance after years of conditional releases that allowed top players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to compete on both tours.

Players must disclose their intended 2027 commitments by 16 November, with false declarations leading to immediate membership termination ^[1]. The move comes as LIV Golf files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and seeks $300 million in new funding from BC Partners Credit to launch LIV 2.0, a streamlined, team-focused season with player equity.

The European tour’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, stated, "Players need to make a choice," emphasizing that rules exist to protect the tour’s integrity ^[2]. This shift follows growing tension over LIV’s structure, particularly its equity model, which conflicts with the DP World Tour’s members-only ethos ^[1].

While nine players received conditional releases in 2026, those deals will not extend to 2027 ^[2]. Players without current status—like Joaquin Niemann and Thomas Pieters—would need to requalify or secure special invitations, which are only available to those not joining LIV ^[1].

Jon Rahm has already announced he will not continue with LIV, calling its terms "unacceptable" ^[1]. His lawyer confirmed his intent to terminate his contract in a recent bankruptcy hearing ^[2]. Sergio Garcia and David Puig have also sought to exit LIV, while Richard Bland is the only player to publicly confirm interest in LIV 2.0.

The stakes are high: only DP World Tour members can play in the Ryder Cup next September ^[2]. Meanwhile, the tour is negotiating a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour, which could grant top performers Race to Dubai cards. Patrick Reed and Eugenio Chacarrà are already on track for PGA Tour cards, while Bernd Wiesberger still has a chance.

With LIV’s player commitments due by October 25 and the DP World Tour’s deadline set for November 16, the golf world watches as players weigh loyalty, finances, and future access to major events. The story was first reported by BBC News and ABC News (AU). According to Ted Goldthorpe of BC Partners Credit, LIV may achieve a 'critical mass' of players, but this has not been confirmed ^[1].