Asian Tour axes 2027 Q-School as LIV Golf era come to an end

The Asian Tour has cancelled its 2027 Qualifying School as the circuit prepares for a major rebuild following the end of its LIV Golf-backed International Series.

The decision comes at a significant moment for the Asian Tour, which is now turning towards a new partnership involving the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

The Asian Tour confirmed that 2027 will be a “rebuilding year” after the cessation of the International Series materially affected its schedule and reduced playing opportunities for members.

The International Series was first launched in 2022 following the Asian Tour's partnership with LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). 

The 10-event series featured purses of at least $2 million and provided a pathway towards LIV Golf for its leading performers.

But PIF's decision to change its golf investment strategy has brought that chapter to an end, leaving the Asian Tour to rethink its schedule and future direction.

The consequences have already been felt during the 2026 season, with tournaments in India and China scrapped and prize funds reduced at the Hong Kong Open and Philippine Open.

Now the tour is preparing to move into a new era.

The 2027 season will be the first in which new events are co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and DP World Tour as part of the new partnership with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

Five tournaments will be co-sanctioned next year, including the Hong Kong Open and Singapore Open, with more than 60 Asian Tour members expected to compete.

There will also be a significant reward for the circuit's leading players, with the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner set to earn DP World Tour playing rights. 

Winners of the co-sanctioned events will also have a route to securing status on the DP World Tour.

For players trying to break onto the Asian Tour, however, there will be no Q-School in 2027.

The tour said the decision was particularly difficult because of the importance of qualifying school to its player pathway. 

It also highlighted the impact of the reduced schedule on recent graduates from Q-School and the Asian Development Tour (ADT).

Players who had already registered for the cancelled qualifying school will receive refunds.

Despite the one-year pause, the Asian Tour insists Q-School remains an important part of its plans.

“2027 will be a rebuilding year for the Asian Tour where we will focus on the stability and growth of both the Asian Tour and ADT schedules,” the tour said.

The qualifying school will return for players targeting the 2028 season, with the Asian Tour promising “very significant opportunities” for those who graduate.