As LIV Golf works to stabilize its league for 2027 and beyond, a persistent narrative has emerged: that the circuit is merely collaborative, not confrontational. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has championed this message, stating in August that the league’s goal is to “complete, not compete,” a phrase he echoed in an SBJ op-ed and a recent fan letter. Similarly, Bryson DeChambeau, a potential centerpiece of LIV 2.0, reinforced this stance in a podcast appearance, asserting that the league aims to be “accretive” rather than combative.
However, Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, remains unconvinced. After navigating four years of tense coexistence with the Saudi-funded breakaway league, Kinnings has publicly dismissed LIV’s cooperative rhetoric. In recent interviews, he detailed how LIV allegedly attempted to undermine the DP World Tour by poaching sponsors, courses, and tournaments. Kinnings emphasized that players face a clear choice: committing to LIV 2.0 means forfeiting the flexibility to compete in DP World Tour events. Speaking to the Scotsman, he reiterated that LIV has always been a direct competitor, citing reports that the league spent over $7 billion with an aim to “destroy the DP World Tour.”
Kinnings further criticized LIV’s financial practices, noting that bankruptcy filings revealed substantial payouts to lawyers and executives while vendors and contractors went unpaid. In contrast, he highlighted the DP World Tour’s commitment to treating all stakeholders with respect and ensuring timely payments. “Our Tour, which has thrived for over 50 years, represents the values of the game, and we will continue to defend it,” Kinnings stated.
The DP World Tour stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges from the pandemic, global conflicts, and media rights issues, yet securing over $1 billion in sponsorship deals. Kinnings views the PGA Tour’s schedule shift as an opportunity, allowing the DPWT to take center stage for several months. Meanwhile, LIV’s future appears increasingly precarious. Top players like Jon Rahm have expressed skepticism about its 2027 plans, with Rahm describing them as moving away from the team-focused identity that defined LIV. Other players, such as Victor Perez and Lee Westwood, face uncertainty, with Westwood noting his limbo as an unemployed golfer who hasn’t signed LIV’s restructuring agreement.
Kinnings has made it unequivocal: players must choose between LIV and the DP World Tour, but dual allegiance is not an option. The ongoing tension underscores the deep divisions in professional golf as both leagues vie for relevance and talent.
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