DP World Tour's 2027 ban plan sends LIV golfers into panic mode

The DP World Tour has officially ended the exemption arrangements that allowed LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tom McKibbin to compete on the European circuit this season.

Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings confirmed the decision in an exclusive interview with The Scotsman, making it clear that the accommodations were a one-time measure.

“We’ve got to protect that special culture that we have on the Tour,” Kinnings said.

The move has sent shockwaves through the LIV Golf locker room, with players reportedly scrambling to assess their options for 2027.

Reports from multiple outlets describe a state of “panic” among LIV golfers who had hoped to maintain dual membership across both circuits.

LIV player Lucas Herbert publicly acknowledged the backlash that returning rebels would face, saying the situation has “definitely ruffled some feathers.”

The DP World Tour’s hardline stance stems directly from the threat it perceives from the Saudi-backed league.

Kinnings revealed that the DP World Tour has been told LIV Golf spent over $7 billion, with one of its stated aims being to “destroy the DP World Tour.”

“I have heard that from so many different people they talked to, who I have known for over 30 years within the game and who I trust implicitly,” Kinnings said.

“Clearly when you are faced with statements like that, and then people then ask why we are doing what we are doing with our membership and invite policy for 2027, then I think the answer becomes pretty obvious.”

The 2027 policy means any player who signs up for what Kinnings called “LIV 2.0” will be barred from competing on the DP World Tour.

This year’s exemption deals were a temporary bridge, not a permanent arrangement.

Rahm, Hatton, and McKibbin were granted special permission to play DP World Tour events while remaining under LIV contracts.

That permission expires at the end of the current season.

Starting in 2027, players must choose one circuit or the other.

The DP World Tour chief framed the decision as a matter of survival.

“Myself and everyone at the DP World Tour have a duty to our members to protect our Tour,” Kinnings said.

“We are proud of that and are proud that we treat everyone who works for the Tour, whether that be staff, suppliers, contractors, everyone, with respect and dignity.”

“We pay them and pay them on time.”

“We look out for everyone.”

“Our Tour that has been in existence for over 50 years and it stands for everything that is good, right and proper in the game is worth fighting for and that is precisely what we have done and what we will continue to do.”

The DP World Tour is also working on a new Strategic Alliance deal with the PGA Tour.

Kinnings said PGA Tour executive Brian Rolapp has been clear about wanting to extend the partnership.

“Brian Rolapp’s been very clear,” Kinnings said.

“He has said he wants to extend the Strategic Alliance and that’s exactly the goal that I have.”

“We’re working on it right now.”

The tour is also planning major schedule changes for 2028.

Kinnings revealed that the PGA Tour will shift to a February-to-August schedule starting that year.

That leaves a gap from September through January that the DP World Tour intends to fill.

“In 2028, with the PGA Tour operating from February to August, that gives us an amazing opportunity from September through to the end of January almost without anything else going on, to truly shine a light on international golf as golf’s global Tour,” Kinnings said.

“Our 2027 schedule starts in a couple of weeks, but we have got to make sure that we’re ready for what 2028 brings.”

“2028 is going to look different.”

“The PGA Tour is already shaping it in America and we need to do the same for the rest of the world.”

Kinnings also addressed the financial state of the DP World Tour, pushing back against concerns about its economic viability.

He pointed to “over a billion dollars currently contracted across the Tour” in sponsorship as a strong indicator of health.

The chief executive criticized the economic model of LIV Golf, calling it unsustainable.