As LIV Golf attempts to salvage its league for 2027 and beyond, its leadership and potential stars have maintained that they simply want to coexist peacefully with traditional circuits. However, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings remains unconvinced by these diplomatic overtures.
A History of Competition
LIV CEO Scott O’Neil recently used the phrase “It’s complete, not compete” in an op-ed and a letter to fans, a sentiment echoed by Bryson DeChambeau during a podcast appearance with Raj Shamani, where he stated they were not trying to fight against the Tour. Despite these claims, Kinnings told Martin Dempster of the Scotsman that he has no interest in further cooperation with a rival he believes tried to sabotage the DP World Tour from the start.
Kinnings stated that he was told by trusted industry sources that LIV spent over $7 billion with an aim to destroy the DP World Tour, pointing to previous attempts to lure away sponsors, golf courses, and tournaments. He also contrasted LIV’s financial troubles—such as bankruptcy filings revealing heavy payouts to lawyers and executives while vendors went unpaid—with the DP World Tour’s commitment to respecting and paying staff and suppliers on time.
Future Uncertainty and Player Decisions
While the DP World Tour faces headwinds from the pandemic, regional conflicts, and a media rights collapse, Kinnings reported strong sponsorship backing exceeding $1 billion. He also noted that 2027 could see an influx of talent returning from LIV, including Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia, and Ian Poulter, alongside other former LIV professionals becoming eligible for sponsor invitations during the PGA Tour offseason.
Meanwhile, LIV faces a clouded future as players weigh their options. Jon Rahm dismissed future plans for LIV 2.0 due to uncertainties and shifts away from team golf, while Victor Perez told Today’s Golfer that potential bans have ruffled feathers and prompted early decisions. Lee Westwood admitted on the Chipping Forecast that he remains in limbo without a signed contract, describing himself as currently unemployed.
Kinnings has established a firm boundary that players must choose between employment with LIV or seeking a path back to the DP World Tour without being able to do both.
