LIV golfers to be denied European Tour membership: CEO

New lead investor BC Partners Credit has pledged an initial funding commitment of a potential USD 300 million to help LIV relaunch in 2027. | Photo Credit: AFP

Officials said on Monday that players who opt to join the breakaway LIV Golf circuit in 2027 will not be allowed to remain members of the European Tour

Some of the world’s leading players have been granted conditional releases in recent seasons, enabling them to feature on both circuits.

But DP World European Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings said players must now “make a choice”.

To qualify for Europe’s Ryder Cup team, players need to be European Tour members

“Players need to make a choice,” Kinnings told the BBC. “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.”

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LIV players including Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are presently eligible to compete on the European Tour under one of its membership categories.

The future of LIV Golf is uncertain after it sought bankruptcy protection in September, when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its financial support.

BC Partners Credit, the new lead investor, has pledged an initial funding commitment of up to USD 300 million to help LIV relaunch in 2027.

Two-time Major champion Rahm is set to quit LIV Golf after refusing to accept revised terms