Four LIV Golf stars enter DP World Tour Q School amid 2027 uncertainty

LIV Golf could be facing the loss of four talented young players ahead of the 2027 season, with Jose Luis Ballester, Luis Masaveu, Sam Horsfield and Michael La Sasso all entered for the Second Stage of DP World Tour Q School.

The quartet will compete at different Spanish venues from October 29 to November 1, with all four potentially targeting a route back to the DP World Tour should they decide against remaining with LIV Golf.

Three of the players are aged 23 or younger, while the quartet have a combined age of just 98. Their entries are particularly intriguing given the uncertainty surrounding LIV's proposed relaunch and the possibility of several players returning to the traditional tours next season.

Ballester and Masaveu have represented Sergio Garcia's Fireballs GC during the 2026 LIV Golf campaign. Both Spaniards are 23, although Ballester arguably arrives with the more impressive amateur pedigree.

Ballester won the 2020 Spanish Amateur, the 2023 European Amateur and the 2024 US Amateur, establishing himself as one of Europe's most exciting young prospects. 

Masaveu has also enjoyed considerable success, finishing runner-up at the 2022 European Nations Cup – Copa Sotogrande, the 2023 Lytham Trophy and the 2024 Spanish International Amateur Championship. He also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 US Amateur, where he lost to Ballester, who went on to lift the trophy.

Horsfield, meanwhile, is the oldest of the four at 30. The Englishman has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, winning three European Tour titles in 2020 and 2022 before joining Majesticks GC, jointly captained by Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.

His form has dipped somewhat during his time on LIV, but a potential return to the DP World Tour could provide an opportunity to rediscover his best golf.

Then there is La Sasso, the youngest of the quartet at 22 and arguably the most intriguing name following his breakthrough victory at LIV Golf Indianapolis in August.

Representing Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC, La Sasso defeated Jon Rahm by a shot to claim the title, producing a stunning second-round 60 on his way to victory.

The American has also secured a sponsor exemption into December's Mauritius Open on the DP World Tour, adding further interest to his potential future on the circuit.

DP World Tour route offers fresh opportunity

Ballester will compete at Fontanals GC, Masaveu at Golf Las Pinaillas, Horsfield at Isla Canela Links and La Sasso at Desert Springs Resort.

The successful players will progress to Final Stage at Infinitum Golf Resort the following week, where 20 DP World Tour cards are available for the 2027 season.

It's understood some LIV players are negotiating potential arrangements with the DP World Tour that could provide tournament opportunities without requiring them to navigate the full Q School process. 

However, the four players' entries do not, in themselves, confirm their intentions for next season.

The timing is somewhat significant, with LIV players facing a Sunday 25 October deadline to decide whether to commit to the proposed LIV 2.0 era or leave the league ahead of 2027.

Jon Rahm has already confirmed his departure through his lawyer, while Adrian Meronk, David Puig and Thomas Pieters have also indicated that they intend to leave. Joaquin Niemann is expected to be another major name considering a return to the DP World Tour, while Garcia has already terminated his LIV contract.

Much remains uncertain as LIV works on a deal with BC Partners Credit to take the league forward.

For now, Ballester, Masaveu, Horsfield and La Sasso must concentrate on the challenge ahead. But should they successfully negotiate Q School and secure their cards, the DP World Tour could gain four players with a compelling blend of proven experience and considerable potential for 2027.