DP World Tour Bars LIV Players from 2027; Kisner Criticizes Rory McIlroy

DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnison announced that players affiliated with LIV Golf will no longer be permitted to compete on the DP World Tour beginning in 2027, marking a definitive split between the two tours. The policy change follows earlier conditional release agreements and is expected to reshape the competitive landscape for both organizations.

The move is seen as a strategic blow to LIV, which has struggled with financial instability and is awaiting bankruptcy court proceedings. By eliminating a key venue for top golfers to maintain competitive form, the DP World Tour reduces the incentive for elite players to remain tied to a tour that now projects only ten events in 2027 with purses around $30 million.

The decision also raises questions about its impact on the 2027 Ryder Cup. According to senior writer Josh Schrock, the ban will strengthen the DP World Tour’s field in the short term and should help end LIV’s viability as a major competitor. Senior writer Josh Sens noted that the policy creates separation while giving players a clearer reason to defect from LIV. Dylan Dethier, another senior writer, observed that each tour now enforces its own regulations, making direct competition more adversarial.

The debate over whether to penalize returning LIV players has continued. Six‑time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten told Today’s Golfer that former LIV athletes should face stricter re‑entry rules, arguing that they abandoned the tour for financial gain and should not be given preferential treatment. The tour has imposed fines but has not yet suspended any returning players.

In a separate exchange, Kevin Kisner took issue with Rory McIlroy’s stance on global expansion. Kisner suggested McIlroy’s comments about growing golf in India were driven by appearance fees rather than genuine interest. McIlroy responded by acknowledging that players can be compensated while still supporting the sport’s growth in new markets. Writers observed that both perspectives can coexist, though Kisner’s blunt language drew criticism for its click‑bait tone.

Will Zalatoris’s season outlook dimmed further when he announced a spinal‑fusion surgery that will sideline him for the entire 2027 campaign. The injury adds to a list of promising careers derailed by health issues. Writers compared his situation to those of Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie, Jason Day, Anthony Kim, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka, noting the recurring theme of talent interrupted by injuries.

Tiger Woods resurfaced on the range at the TGR Junior Invitational, fueling speculation about his participation in the 2027 Masters. Senior writer Josh Schrock expressed doubt that Woods would retire gracefully after that event, while Josh Sens and Dylan Dethier both expect him to compete, at least in the Masters, and watch his progress in upcoming tournaments.

“>

Source link