Report: Trio of young LIV Golf stars enter first stage of DPWT qualifying school
Josele Ballester, Michael La Sasso and David Puig will attempt to earn their tour cards for the 2027 season.
Three young LIV Golf players have entered the first stage of the DP World Tour's qualifying school, amid growing uncertainty over the future of the breakaway league.
LIV Golf is due to conclude its 2026 season in Indianapolis next week after its $40 million Team Championship was cancelled.
The league's future beyond this season remains uncertain, with reports suggesting a reduced 10-event schedule could be offered in 2027 if LIV continues.
It is also unclear whether players who finish in the relegation zone at the end of the 2026 season will lose their places, or whether a revamped LIV Golf 2.0 could effectively start afresh.
That uncertainty has prompted a number of LIV players to assess their options and consider potential routes back into the established golf circuit.
According to Today's Golfer, Michael La Sasso, Luis Masaveu and Josele Ballester have all entered the first stage of DP World Tour Q School, which begins next month.
The trio are among LIV Golf's younger players.
La Sasso joined LIV for the 2026 season after winning the NCAA individual championship at Ole Miss, signing with Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC.
The American was likely convinced that he would benefit from being under the tutelage of the six-time major champion, but the 56-year-old has only played once this season.
The 22-year-old has struggled during his debut campaign and currently sits in the drop zone in the individual standings.
His position means he could be among the players most directly affected by any changes to LIV's promotion and relegation system.
Masaveu joined LIV in 2025, becoming a member of Sergio Garcia's Fireballs GC.
The Spaniard played nine events during his first season and has also teed up in several events on the HotelPlanner Tour.
He remained with the Fireballs for 2026 but has also struggled to establish himself, with the 23-year-old currently sitting in the drop zone.
Ballester, meanwhile, made his LIV debut in June 2025 after winning the 2024 U.S. Amateur.
The 23-year-old made an encouraging start to his LIV career, recording two top-10 finishes in six appearances during the 2025 season.
He has continued to perform better than La Sasso and Masaveu, and is currently inside the top 20 in the individual standings.
The first stage of DP World Tour Q School begins in September.
La Sasso is scheduled to compete at the Golf-und Country Club Seddiner See in Germany on 8 September, while Masaveu and Ballester are due to play at the qualifier in England.
The third and final stage of Q School will again be held in Spain, with a field of 156 players competing over six rounds.
Only the top 20 players will earn DP World Tour cards.
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