Rory McIlroy backs DP World Tour decision to restrict LIV Golf players from 2027

Rory McIlroy has voiced his support for the DP World Tour’s decision to prevent players competing on the LIV Golf circuit from retaining their tour membership for the 2027 season, describing the move as a clear statement of where players stand.

The European-based golf tour, officially known as the DP World Tour for sponsorship purposes, announced on Monday that players choosing to compete in LIV Golf events during the 2027 season would no longer be eligible for membership.

The decision could have significant consequences for players hoping to represent Europe in the prestigious Ryder Cup, as membership of the DP World Tour plays an important role in eligibility for the team competition.

In recent seasons, several high-profile golfers have received conditional releases allowing them to compete on both the DP World Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

However, with LIV Golf facing uncertainty following the reported withdrawal of its major Saudi financial backing, the breakaway league is preparing to restructure and pursue a new direction.

Speaking ahead of the DP World India Championship in Delhi, which begins on Thursday, six-time major champion McIlroy said the DP World Tour had already shown considerable flexibility towards players competing in LIV Golf events.

“LIV is in such a state of flux that you know I think the DP World Tour have been more than accommodating to LIV players,” McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman, who serves as a global ambassador for DP World, also defended the tour’s authority to introduce stricter regulations to protect its long-term interests.

“And as I said, the DP World Tour are well within their rights to change the rules and regulations,” he added.

“And you know, this is a way to protect their business and to make the tour as strong as possible.”

McIlroy believes the latest decision provides greater clarity for players as professional golf continues to navigate the divide between established tours and the breakaway LIV Golf circuit.

“So in a very short way, I would say it’s now being clarified totally,” he said.

“If you are with the tour, you’re with the tour.”

The policy marks another significant development in the ongoing debate over LIV Golf’s future, player eligibility and the potential impact on European representation at the Ryder Cup. With the 2027 season approaching, players may face increasingly difficult decisions about where they compete and which tour they choose to support.