LIV stars face big challenges for Ryder Cup chances after DP World Tour decision
The DP World Tour has decided that players who sign up for next season’s LIV Golf won’t be allowed to play on their tour – and this will affect their chances of playing in the Ryder Cup. The European Tour wants players to “choose” which tour they want to compete for.
Right now, players need to be members of the DP World Tour to play for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup. So, joining the 2027 LIV Golf season will stop players from taking part in the Ryder Cup.
“Players need to make a choice,” said Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, in an interview with BBC Sport. “We have rules to protect our tour, and all members must follow them. If players don’t want to follow the rules, they shouldn’t try to join our tour.”
Before, players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton had deals that let them play on both LIV and the DP World Tour. But starting in 2027, they’ll have to pick one or the other.
Players like Joaquin Niemann and Thomas Pieters could be affected by this change. They’d need to make special arrangements or go through qualifying school to play on the DP World Tour.
If players don’t tell the DP World Tour they plan to play LIV but then do, their DP World Tour membership could be taken away.
LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy last month after losing funding from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. However, it looks like LIV might have gotten a new $300 million investment from BC Partners Credit.
This news came just days after Jon Rahm said he would leave LIV because he didn’t agree with the new rules for the 2027 season. At a court hearing, his lawyer said Rahm reviewed the new terms and found them unacceptable. They’re currently talking about a peaceful separation.
Even though Rahm has won the last three LIV titles, he might return to the traditional tours. He is reportedly owed up to £113 million left on his £222 million contract he signed in December 2023.
READ NEXT: Sky Sports apologizes after two golf stars lose their temper in a surprising moment.