DP World Tour issues threat to LIV Golf hopefuls

The DP World Tour has sent a memo to players warning they could be fined and banned for entering LIV Golf Promotions next month.

Players will have 24 hours’ notice to submit applications for releases to compete in the potentially lucrative three-day qualifier.

Clashing with the DP World tour’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, LIV Golf Promotions will offer three places in the league for 2024 with a $1.5 million purse.

As reported by the Times, the memo warned that the Promotions event is a ‘conflicting tournament’ to anyone who has taken up DP World Tour membership for 2024.

It read: “Then, in accordance with the regulations and unless the stated exceptions applies, you must apply in writing for a release to play in that conflicting tournament by no later than 8 November 2023.

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“The chief executive [Keith Pelley] will determine whether or not to grant a release and his decision will be communicated directly to the applicable player.”

LIV Golf has offered exemptions into the second stage of the qualifier to major champions, Ryder and Presidents Cup players, and recent PGA and DP World Tour winners.

Ian Poulter has argued the event is a no-brainer for all players, though, given a place on the Saudi-backed circuit guarantees at least £1.35 million across 14 events.

The Englishman told the Telegraph last month: “Think about it, they’ll probably get fined, but if a player takes that chance, pays say $50,000 or whatever, then he makes it into the top three… then he will earn minimum $1.75 million in 14 events in 2024.

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“That’s minimum, even if they shoot level 80s every week.

“It’s $20 million purses and then the prizes from the team events on top and you’re playing against the likes of Brooks [Koepka], DJ [Dustin Johnson], Cam [Smith], Talor [Gooch] every week?

“If you’re on the DP World Tour, then you’d be mad not to back yourself and have a go. It’s a different level.”

Poulter, alongside Lee Westwood, was forced to resign his membership in 2022 after playing the inaugural LIV Golf event without being granted a release.

The PGA Tour will not prevent its members from playing in the LIV Golf Promotions event, held in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.