The DP World Tour has drawn a firm line ahead of the 2027 season, telling players they will not be able to retain membership while competing in the proposed LIV Golf 2.0.
Chief executive Guy Kinnings confirmed the conditional-release system that allowed selected players to compete across both circuits during 2026 will not continue next season.
The message for players weighing up LIV’s proposed relaunch is clear: they will have to choose.
“We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by,” Kinnings said.
“Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour.”
The decision comes at a critical time for LIV, which is attempting to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with backing from BC Partners Credit and a substantially restructured business model.
Players have until October 25 to decide whether to commit to LIV 2.0.
Ryder Cup Consequences
For Europe’s leading players, the decision carries an additional consequence.
DP World Tour membership is required for Ryder Cup eligibility, meaning European golfers who commit to LIV 2.0 would close the door on playing for Luke Donald’s side at Adare Manor in September 2027.
That could be particularly significant for established and prospective European Ryder Cup players.
The situation was different this season.
Eight DP World Tour members — Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, David Puig, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Victor Perez and Australian Elvis Smylie — received conditional releases allowing them to play LIV events while retaining membership.
Those arrangements applied only to 2026 and will not provide a route to dual membership next season.
LIV Fighting To Keep Its Players
The announcement adds another challenge for LIV at a time when several prominent players are reconsidering their futures.
Jon Rahm has rejected the proposed LIV 2.0 terms and is working towards a separation agreement, while David Puig has also opted against returning to the league.
Sergio Garcia has secured the termination of his existing LIV agreement as he explores his options for 2027.
Lawyers representing several other players have also sought clarity over their contractual freedom as they assess opportunities away from LIV.
The uncertainty comes as BC Partners Credit prepares to provide up to US$300 million in financing to support LIV’s restructuring, subject to court approval and other conditions.
The proposed new model is expected to feature a reduced schedule and increased player equity in the league and its team franchises.
But retaining enough leading players remains central to whether the relaunched competition can deliver commercially attractive fields.
Australasia Watching Closely
The developments will be particularly relevant in Australia, one of LIV Golf’s strongest markets.
Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and Elvis Smylie have all been part of the all-Australian Ripper GC operation, while questions remain around which players will commit to the revamped competition.
There is also uncertainty around the planned 2027 LIV Golf Adelaide event at Kooyonga Golf Club, with the club seeking greater certainty through LIV’s bankruptcy proceedings over whether the tournament will proceed.
For New Zealand players, the DP World Tour remains an important international pathway, particularly through its links with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the opportunity for leading members to progress towards the PGA Tour.
The latest decision therefore further separates the two pathways.
Players who choose LIV Golf 2.0 will effectively be committing to that ecosystem, while those wanting DP World Tour membership — and, for Europeans, Ryder Cup eligibility — will need to remain outside the relaunched league.
With LIV’s October 25 player deadline approaching, the next two weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether LIV Golf 2.0 retains enough star power to successfully begin its next chapter.
