Former Ryder Cup captain backs DPWT as LIV Golf players face major decision
The former Ryder Cup captain says the tour has a “right to compete for business” after confirming players planning to play on LIV Golf next season will not be eligible for membership
Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says the DP World Tour has "a right to compete for business" after the circuit confirmed players intending to compete on LIV Golf in 2027 will not be eligible for membership.
DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings told BBC Sport that players must "make a choice" over where they play next season, with the circuit adopting a significantly tougher stance towards those seeking to compete on both tours.
In previous seasons, DP World Tour members have been heavily fined for competing in LIV Golf events without obtaining official permission. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund previously covered the fines but stopped doing so in January 2025.
A group of selected LIV players were granted conditional releases to play on the DP World Tour this season without incurring further fines and suspensions.
When that deal was struck, the DP World Tour made it clear that it wasn't precedent-setting.
That group included European Ryder Cup stars Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm.
Reacting to the announcement, McGinley wrote on X: "The DPWT have LOST tens of millions directly to LIV in sponsorship/events/venues.
"They also have a right to compete for business - LIV & PGAT did.
"All players have benefitted from LIV at a price to sustainable business models - common sense needed not more false economies."
What has been said?
Kinnings said the Tour's regulations were designed to protect its interests and that members were expected to comply with them.
"Players need to make a choice," he told BBC Sport.
"We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by.
"Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour."
The decision could have significant implications for European Ryder Cup hopefuls, as DP World Tour membership is required to represent Europe in the biennial contest.
Around 15 LIV players currently hold DP World Tour status, including Rahm, Hatton, Victor Perez and Tom McKibbin.
Players have until November 16 to sign up for DP World Tour membership for next year, while LIV Golf must secure player commitments by October 25 under the terms of its restructuring process.
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