DP World Tour to deny LIV players 2027 membership as Kinnings demands choice

The DP World Tour has decided that any player who joins LIV Golf next season will not be granted membership on its circuit in 2027. In previous seasons, the European tour gave conditional releases that let some of the world's leading players compete on both tours. Being a DP World Tour member is required to be eligible for Europe's Ryder Cup team.

DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings told BBC Sport that players now have to make a choice. He said the tour has rules and regulations designed to protect it, and that members are expected to follow them. According to Kinnings, players who are not willing to comply should not be trying to join the DP World Tour.

LIV Golf has been contacted for comment. The league's future is uncertain after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its support at the end of the season, and it is going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States. Sky Sports reports that LIV has secured an initial funding commitment for a potential $300m (£227m) investment from BC Partners Credit to help relaunch LIV 2.0 in 2027.

Deadlines for both tours fall next month, and players will be asked to disclose which circuit they intend to play on. Several LIV players remain eligible for the DP World Tour under one of its membership categories, including Jon Rahm, Tyrell Hatton, Victor Perez and Tom McKibbin.

Rahm is set to quit LIV Golf after refusing to accept new terms offered for its proposed relaunch, according to Sky Sports. He is reported to be owed up to $150m (£113m) for the remainder of the contract he signed almost three years ago.