As LIV Golf’s future is in serious doubt, players are eyeing the exit door.
Many players have expressed intent to the DP World Tour to return to the circuit next season, as LIV’s funding troubles continue with the cancellation of their team finale in Michigan.
The DP World Tour struck a deal with LIV golfers this season which allowed eight players, including Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, to play in both LIV and DP World Tour events this season. This has allowed the likes of Rahm to play in the Scottish Open and the Irish Open.
There was a feeling that these chosen LIV players would be allowed to play on the DP World Tour in 2027 while also playing on LIV’s new reduced 10-event schedule. However, what the DP World Tour told players recently has ended those plans, and put the tour in an incredible position going into next year.
DP World Tour tell LIV golfers they cannot play both tours next season
After receiving a number of enquiries from LIV players looking to play on the DP World Tour next season, the tour have played their hand. They told players that the deal they signed with allowed them to play on both tours this season will not apply to next year.
This means that if any players agree to play on LIV next year, they will not be allowed to play on any other tour. It will be the 10 events, with reduced purse sizes, and that’s it.
The DP World Tour wants to avoid any players signing a new deal with LIV and expecting to play on their tour too. They will not allow LIV players to have the best of both worlds. And this puts them in an incredibly strong position.
With so much uncertainty surrounding LIV, it would take a brave man to commit to playing on the tour in 2027. Especially when it is far from what they initially signed up for. The DP World Tour is an enticing prospect.
It would not be surprising to see Rahm, Hatton and others commit to playing on the DP World Tour next year to serve their one year suspension from the PGA Tour. This would give the tour their strongest roster in 15 years.
A field featuring LIV’s top players touring the world could be enough to challenge the PGA Tour in some weeks next season. And that’s without any of the PGA Tour players who also see the DP World Tour as an intriguing prospect.
Rory McIlroy is playing less and less on the PGA Tour, meanwhile Robert MacIntyre said that he prefers playing in Europe. If these players also commit to more DP World Tour events, it could present a real problem for the PGA Tour next season.
The biggest benefactors to LIV Golf’s demise could well be the DP World Tour.