Report: Golf boss gives LIV players staggering ultimatum

The chief executive of the DP World Tour has warned any player signing up to LIV Golf 2.0 will be prohibited from holding membership in 2027, according to a report. 

Since the breakaway's launch in 2022, the PGA Tour has indefinitely banned LIV Golf players. 

But the DP World Tour took a softer approach, allowing them to still participate in their events providing they pay fines and serve periods of suspension for taking part in LIV tournaments without receiving official releases. 

That will all change next season though, according to BBC Sport. 

The publication report that any player signing up to what is being dubbed as LIV Golf 2.0 will be prohibited from holding DP World Tour membership. 

"Players need to make a choice," Guy Kinnings told the publication. 

"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 development comes amid a crucial period for LIV Golf. 

LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September and is attempting to restructure following the withdrawal of its multi-billion dollar funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. 

London-based credit firm BC Partners hopes to take LIV forward in 2027 and is pledging $300m in funding. 

But it's understood the transaction hinges on player support, with its existing roster being given until 25 October to decide whether they want to continue. 

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm has already signalled his desire to leave. 

Last week, his lawyer confirmed in a court hearing that the Spaniard had reviewed the terms for LIV 2.0 and deems them "unacceptable". 

Rahm's management team and LIV officials will spend the next month trying to finalise a "consensual separation agreement". 

There have been reports Rahm is owed tens of millions of dollars from the alleged £222m contract he signed to join LIV in December 2023. 

Several other LIV players' lawyers have asked the court for clarification on their contracts. 

Lawyers for Sergio Garcia asked the court to terminate his contract or allow the former Masters champion to terminate it himself. 

Garcia's request was granted but that does not mean he will leave LIV, however it appears the player is destined for the exit door as he recently outlined his desire to return to the European Ryder Cup team in 2027. 

Several other players, such as Cameron Smith, have sought clarification on their contracts. 

As things stand, veteran English golfer Richard Bland and America's Cameron Tringale are the only players to declare publicly if they will stay with LIV. 

Last week, Bland told FlushingIt that he had "nowhere else to go" and play besides the over-50s Legends Tour. 

Analysis

The timing of the DP World Tour's approach is unlikely to be coincidental. 

Its strategic alliance with the PGA Tour is currently under negotiation.

In September, the MoneyInSport newsletter published a detailed analysis of the DP World Tour's financial statements, highlighting the extent of its reliance on American support. 

In 2025, the PGA Tour paid the European circuit approximately £59m, turning a £64.5m operating loss into a £3.3m profit. 

Therefore, the move reflects a desire to be in a strong position. 

PGA Tour chief executive and soon-to-be commissioner, Brian Rolapp, has the North American's circuit to extend their strategic alliance. 

But he hinted the relationship between the circuits may be a tad under strain, given it is yet to be determined how many DP World Tour members will earn duel membership when the PGA Tour's new, two-tier structure is rolled out in two years' time. 

Currently, the leading 10 players on the DP World Tour earn PGA Tour cards. 

This number is likely to be significantly reduced, though.