DP World Tour chief’s player ultimatum dubbed “cutthroat” by former LIV star

Victor Perez has challenged DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings to make the most of a pivotal moment for European golf after his bold decision to force players to choose between the rival circuits.

The Frenchman, who spent the 2026 season representing Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC, has now returned to the DP World Tour following the dramatic collapse of LIV Golf.

Speaking to Mirror US Sports, Perez reflected on the potential impact of LIV's demise and the prospect of a number of high-profile players returning to the European circuit in 2027.

Kinnings announced last month that players holding DP World Tour membership would no longer be permitted to compete across both circuits from next season.

Having allowed dual membership during the current campaign, the DP World Tour chief effectively presented LIV players with an ultimatum: commit to the European circuit or continue with the breakaway league.

It was a bold move that ultimately had significant consequences for LIV's attempts to secure its future.

Following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial support in April, LIV executives had explored the possibility of launching a revamped competition after entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

However, plans for a second iteration of the league depended heavily on retaining its biggest names. A proposed $300 million refinancing agreement with private equity and credit firm BC Partners was designed to provide a financial lifeline, with LIV initially targeting a reduced 10-event schedule.

Crucially, the organisation had hoped its players could continue building their schedules around appearances on the DP World Tour.

Kinnings' decision threatened that strategy, with several prominent LIV names subsequently opting to return to European golf.

• LIV Golf star admits DP World Tour has 'ruffled some feathers' with fresh 2027 decision

Perez believes the DP World Tour chief deserves credit for taking such a firm position, but insists the responsibility now rests with him to turn that decision into lasting progress.

"Guy made a decision a month ago to be cutthroat and say guys have to make a decision. He took a huge decision, and as we say in sport, the ball is in his hands now," Perez told Mirror US Sports.

"He wanted the ball, and he wanted to make the DP World Tour really strong. He's going to get the players, and it's in his hands now to obviously develop past '27.

"He obviously has a great support network with smart people around him and obviously great players.

"It's great to see Rory [McIlroy] and Jon [Rahm] are going to be playing some events here next year. They are obviously the marquee European players that we want to see. The ball is in Guy's hands, and I hope he does a great job past '27, and time will tell."

Kinnings has already received an encouraging early indication of what the returning stars could bring to the circuit.

Jon Rahm marked his full return to the DP World Tour with victory at last week's Abu Dhabi event, beating former LIV teammate Tyrrell Hatton by a single shot at Yas Links.

With two former LIV players finishing first and second, the result provided an immediate boost to the argument that welcoming back the breakaway circuit's biggest names could strengthen the European Tour.

Rahm, Hatton and Sergio Garcia are among the high-profile players who have moved away from LIV, while the PGA Tour's current suspension arrangements mean returning members could face restrictions until August 2027.

For the DP World Tour, the immediate outlook appears considerably brighter. 

The prospect of Rahm, Rory McIlroy and potentially other major names featuring more regularly could improve tournament fields, attract greater commercial interest and increase the circuit's appeal to broadcasters and sponsors.

However, there are still significant questions surrounding its financial future.The DP World Tour reportedly holds more than $100 million in cash reserves, but its latest financial accounts highlight the importance of its relationship with the PGA Tour.

Without a $77 million payment received through their Strategic Alliance, the European circuit would have recorded an operating loss of approximately $85 million.

The agreement between the two organisations is currently scheduled to run until 2035, although a break clause could potentially be activated next year.

There has been no indication that either side intends to walk away from the arrangement. Nevertheless, the DP World Tour will need to consider how it can remain financially sustainable over the longer term rather than relying heavily on external support.

That challenge comes at a particularly important time, with the circuit potentially enjoying its strongest collection of players for several years.

Six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten recently discussed the organisation's relationship with the PGA Tour during an exclusive interview with GolfMagic.

Those issues underline the balancing act facing Kinnings.

The return of established stars could provide the DP World Tour with a significant commercial and sporting boost, but attracting big names is only part of the equation.

The bigger challenge will be ensuring that increased interest translates into sustainable growth, stronger tournaments and a more secure financial future.

As Perez made clear, Kinnings has taken his stand against the rival league. Now, he must prove that the gamble was worth it.