Ex-LIV Golf stars including Joaquin Niemann handed DP World Tour lifeline ahead of 2027 season

Former LIV Golf stars Joaquin Niemann and Lucas Herbert are reportedly heading back to the DP World Tour in 2027 after agreeing deals to compete next season.

According to Golf Channel Latin America, Niemann, the former Torque GC captain and LIV Golf's record nine-time individual winner, is understood to have agreed to play between 15 and 20 DP World Tour events on invitations.

Per Flushing It, Australian Herbert, who previously represented Cameron Smith's Ripper GC, has also reportedly secured a deal to compete in 15 events during the 2027 campaign.

The developments represent a significant boost for the DP World Tour, which is preparing for the full-time return of a number of high-profile former LIV Golf players next season, including Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Sergio Garcia, especially while they all remain suspended on the PGA Tour until the end of August 2027.

According to Golf Channel LA, Niemann's agreement will be formally announced once the 2026 season concludes at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Sunday.

There is also a significant incentive for both players. 

Should Niemann or Herbert win one of the DP World Tour events they enter, they will reportedly secure full membership of the circuit through the 2029 season.

Niemann, 27, is currently ranked 34th in the world and boasts 24 victories across professional golf, while Herbert, 30, is ranked 53rd and has three DP World Tour titles among his eight professional victories worldwide.

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The deadline for 2027 DP World Tour membership applications was Saturday 14 November.

Niemann and Herbert are expected to be joined by a number of other former LIV Golf stars competing on the European circuit next season.

Official details surrounding DP World Tour invites for ex-LIV players are expected to emerge next week.

Could Bryson DeChambeau be next?

Attention will now turn to whether major champions and former LIV Golf stars Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau will also feature on the DP World Tour in 2027.

DeChambeau has reportedly been handed a golden ticket to compete on the circuit next season, although his playing future remains uncertain.

The two-time major champion is eligible to apply for full DP World Tour membership following his 2024 US Open victory over Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst.

However, the 33-year-old American stopped short of confirming his plans in a 289-word statement released last Sunday.

He could also face a wait of at least a year before returning to the PGA Tour, with another returning-member program, similar to the one Brooks Koepka benefited from this season, looking unlikely at this stage. 

DeChambeau, who is scheduled to play Gary Player's Nedbank Golf Challenge next month, has indicated he would be prepared to play tournaments that want him while continuing to produce content for his hugely popular YouTube channel.

McIlroy was asked about DeChambeau's situation during his press conference in Dubai earlier this week and offered a pointed assessment of the American's options.

"I think a name like Bryson DeChambeau and everything he brings with him, good and bad, he brings eyeballs, which is a good thing for tournaments," said McIlroy.

"Honestly, I'm certainly not in his shoes, and nor would I ever want to be, but it doesn't seem like he's got many options.

"You know, if he wants to play competitive golf, it doesn't seem like he's got many options."

With Niemann and Herbert reportedly agreeing deals, the DP World Tour's 2027 season is already shaping up to feature a significant influx of former LIV Golf talent.

What do you make of the DP World Tour's decision to bring back LIV Golf players? Is it the right move, especially given the financial difficulties that the DP World Tour is facing right now? Share your thoughts below, or head over to GolfMagic's social media channels - @GolfMagic