DP World Tour defends financial position after Westwood questions LIV fallout

The DP World Tour has defended its financial position after Lee Westwood questioned how the collapse of LIV Golf would affect the European circuit. Responding to BBC Sport, a tour spokesperson said the organisation had strong cash reserves and was financially healthy, while reporting strong player interest in competing on the circuit in 2027.

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The response followed confirmation this week that LIV intends to wind down its operations. According to BBC Sport, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing and prospective investors then abandoned an agreement to support a restructured competition. Westwood, 53, was among the prominent players who joined the breakaway circuit when it launched in 2022.

Westwood told the BBC he believed LIV's disappearance could weaken the European tour's negotiating position with the PGA Tour. He argued that allowing LIV players into some European events had given the DP World Tour leverage, despite those players being barred from the American circuit. His suggestion that PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp might demand tougher terms was an assessment of possible future negotiations, not an announcement of changes.

The two established tours extended their strategic alliance in July. BBC Sport reported that the arrangement includes annual investment payments, with last year's payment amounting to £59m. The PGA Tour also awards membership to the leading 10 eligible finishers on the DP World Tour who do not already hold cards. Westwood questioned the longer-term terms of that partnership and the European tour's place in the American circuit's plans.

The DP World Tour's spokesperson rejected the suggestion that its finances were vulnerable, describing its progress against the disruption caused by LIV's spending. The spokesperson said LIV had pushed prize money to unsustainable levels and expressed confidence about the 2027 season and beyond. Those comments provided the tour's response to Westwood's concerns, rather than confirmation of any new funding agreement.

Westwood's own playing future remains unsettled. He did not commit to the proposed successor to LIV and, according to the BBC, would need to serve a 10-tournament suspension if he rejoined the DP World Tour. He has paid fines but has not served those suspensions. Players have until 15 November to register for membership for next season.