The DP World Tour have drawn a line in the sand for LIV golfers.
It seemed that this season, LIV players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton had reached a peace agreement with the DP World Tour. They, along with a number of other LIV golfers, agreed to a deal that allowed them to play on both tours in 2026.
But as LIV Golf appears to be slowly falling apart, the DP World Tour has made clear to these players that the same deal does not apply to 2027. For those hoping they could play on both tours next season, it’s a huge blow.
Now players must choose between playing on LIV Golf in 2027, which has many unknowns, and committing fully to the DP World Tour before eventually returning to the PGA Tour in 2028.
It’s a bold move from the DP World Tour, and a hammer blow to LIV.
DP World Tour explains why they are being so strict with LIV players
After working with LIV players this season, the DP World Tour has finally taken a stand and forced them to choose next year. But why now?
DP World Tour sources told Evin Priest that LIV CEO Scott O’Neil declaring that he wants national opens to be on the LIV schedule has caused all of this to happen.
Priest posted to X, “Spoke to some DPWT sources about the fact it is ‘highly unlikely’ LIV golfers would be granted conditional releases in 2027.
“Big reason is DPWT doesn’t know LIV’s schedule, and the fact national opens were a part of LIV’s plans.
“Landscape is dramatically different to when DPTWT agreed to 2026 conditional releases. The European circuit oversees 17 national opens.”
It seems O’Neil has shot himself in the foot by talking so openly about wanting to bring the PGA Tour to his tour. That has forced the DP World Tour to take a stand, and that could be the end of LIV if their three-time champion Jon Rahm chooses the European Tour, as he is likely to do.