LIV challenges DP World Tour membership ban during restructuring hearing

LIV Golf has challenged the DP World Tour's decision to deny membership next season to players who remain with the breakaway circuit. BBC Sport reported that LIV's lawyer raised the issue during a Wednesday hearing in New Jersey Bankruptcy Court, as the organisation works to establish a restructured competition known as LIV 2.0.

Rob Fitzgerald, representing LIV, argued that the European tour's stance interfered with discussions with players and the wider reorganisation. The DP World Tour declined to comment on his remarks. Judge Michael B. Kaplan said the comments he had read raised concerns; the BBC report did not describe a ruling against the tour.

Fitzgerald said LIV expected to know by the end of October whether it would proceed or wind down. He identified investment arrangements involving BC Partners and securing enough players by October 25 as key requirements. Nineteen player contracts, including those of Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, were rejected during Wednesday's hearing.

The membership policy represents a change from arrangements that previously allowed some golfers to compete on both circuits. In its earlier reporting, BBC Sport said the DP World Tour had granted nine players conditional releases this season. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were among prominent players who had previously benefited from permission to play across the tours.

DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings told the BBC that golfers must choose where they intend to compete and comply with the organisation's rules. Applicants will be asked which tours they plan to play next year, with their responses considered in membership decisions. Players have until November 16 to register for the European tour's 2027 season.

The decision also has implications for European Ryder Cup eligibility, because players must belong to the DP World Tour to represent Europe. BBC Sport reported that the policy change was understood to relate primarily to LIV's planned player-equity arrangements and concerns about their compatibility with a member-owned tour. LIV's earlier player deadline leaves golfers facing that choice before the European tour's registration window closes.