The DP World Tour is exploring pathways for LIV Golf players looking to leave the troubled league, with several players understood to be in advanced discussions over playing opportunities for 2027.
The talks come as LIV attempts to convince enough players to commit to its proposed LIV 2.0 relaunch following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as its long-term financial backer.
LIV has secured conditional financing of up to US$300 million from BC Partners Credit, but the deal depends partly on retaining enough of its existing player group.
Players now have until October 25 to decide whether to commit to the revamped league.
At the same time, interest in returning to the traditional tours is growing.
The DP World Tour has acknowledged receiving a significant number of approaches and says it is examining how players could be accommodated, provided they are free from LIV contractual restrictions and agree to its membership regulations.
“Given the high volume of inbound interest and enquiries we have received in recent weeks, we are exploring the terms on which we are willing to accommodate players,” a DP World Tour spokesperson said.
Tournament Invites Could Provide A Pathway
For former LIV players without DP World Tour membership, one potential route could involve tournament invitations during the 2027 season.
Depending on the player and available places, some could potentially receive multiple invitations as they attempt to rebuild status on the circuit.
Those opportunities would not necessarily provide immediate access to the DP World Tour’s biggest Rolex Series tournaments, while players with existing membership or exemptions would follow the usual renewal process.
Crucially, any special pathway would require players to be completely free of their LIV commitments rather than attempting to compete regularly on both circuits.
That could make the coming weeks decisive for several high-profile players.
Rahm And Puig Heading Out
Jon Rahm has already rejected the proposed LIV 2.0 terms, with his representatives working towards a formal separation from the league.
Fellow Spaniard David Puig has also confirmed he does not intend to play LIV 2.0 and wants to concentrate on a fuller DP World Tour schedule next season.
Sergio Garcia has secured the termination of his LIV agreement and has also indicated his intention to play more DP World Tour golf as he targets involvement in the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Recent Alfred Dunhill Links champion Adrian Meronk has also indicated he does not intend to continue with the restructured LIV operation.
Their decisions increase the pressure on LIV as it attempts to secure the player commitments required for its relaunch.
What Next For Joaquin Niemann?
One of the most interesting names in the developing situation is Joaquin Niemann.
The Chilean has been LIV’s most successful individual player but no longer holds full DP World Tour membership after failing to meet minimum tournament requirements.
Niemann has yet to commit to LIV for 2027 and has publicly acknowledged he is considering his options.
A pathway involving tournament invitations could therefore be particularly valuable if he elects to leave LIV, although there has been no confirmation that Niemann himself has agreed to such an arrangement.
With the PGA Tour offering no straightforward route back for most departing LIV players, the DP World Tour is increasingly positioned as the most realistic destination for several of golf’s biggest names.
The next two weeks could reshape the professional game considerably.
LIV is fighting to secure enough players to launch its next chapter, while the DP World Tour is preparing for the possibility that some of the stars who left for the breakaway league could soon be coming back.
