LIV Golf star targets DP World Tour return: “I'll certainly ask the question...”

LIV Golf’s Graeme McDowell says he is considering a return to the DP World Tour as he eyes a potential appearance at the Irish Open and keeps faint hopes alive of Ryder Cup involvement.

McDowell joined LIV Golf in 2022, a move that complicated his standing within European golf structures. However, recent developments between LIV and the DP World Tour have opened the door — albeit slightly — for a possible return.

Last month, eight LIV golfers reached a settlement with the DP World Tour, allowing them to compete across both circuits after resolving outstanding sanctions.

McDowell, winner of the 2010 US Open and 11 titles on the former European Tour, confirmed he has already paid his fines but would effectively be starting from scratch if he were to reapply for membership.

"I have my previous fines all paid off, but I'm sort of at a kind of zero level with the DP World Tour," McDowell told BBC Sport NI.

"There is a May date where you can approach the Tour and ask for a membership, which is at the discretion of the CEO.

"At that point I'd ask them what they'd want me to do, how many events that might look like and see if that is a workload that I'm willing to take."

The Northern Irishman admitted he misses key events on the European calendar — particularly those played closer to home.

"Clearly I miss the Irish Open, I miss being able to play a few of those events in September and October like the Dunhill Links, events that I care about a lot, so I'll certainly ask the question and see what that looks like for me," continued the 46-year-old, who represents Talor Gooch's Smash GC on the LIV Golf League. 

"I'd love to have the conversation with the DP World about the opportunity to go to Ireland and play with Rory [McIlroy] and Shane [Lowry] - that's definitely something I miss."

McDowell has chalked up just one top-10 finish in five LIV Golf events to start 2026. 

That came at Hong Kong in March, where he made a hole-in-one. 

McDowell considers the recent compromise between LIV golfers and the DP World Tour signals progress after years of division within the sport.

Returning players were required to pay fines and commit to a minimum number of events — a model McDowell sees as a possible route forward.

"We've seen guys come back to play events, and that feels like a compromise," said McDowell. 

"It shows there's a way forward. If others can return, then perhaps there's a path for me too."

While a DP World Tour return could reopen some doors, McDowell acknowledged that Ryder Cup involvement remains unlikely under current eligibility rules.

A four-time Ryder Cup player — including securing the winning point at Celtic Manor in 2010 — McDowell has also served twice as a vice-captain. But his absence from the DP World Tour in recent years counts against him.

"Even if I was able to take my membership, I would still fall short of the rules that I haven't been a continuing member of the DP World Tour now for the last three years, so I do fall short of that regulation, which I understand," he added.

"The rule has been around for a long time and that would have to change to open up that door for me to have the opportunity, but I obviously would be open to do what I could to be at Adare Manor next year."

Despite the uncertainty, McDowell insists he would be willing to support Team Europe if given the chance.

"I understand bringing LIV players creates negative narratives that we don't want and need there, but if the door is open I would do anything to support the team.

"People will say that I don't deserve to be there. I've made my bed, I should sleep in it, which is true - but I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to be out here on LIV competing, obviously for a lot of money against some good players on a good schedule.

"I'm happy with what I'm doing and I understand the reasons why the Ryder Cup may not happen in any shape or form. I've made my peace with that a little bit.

"Of course I am disappointed, we are where we are. It's just politically, I can't believe four years later we're still here, we're still at such a contentious point when for the fans at home we need to bring the game back together in some way, shape or form. I think it's the right thing for the game."

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