The DP World Tour has granted conditional releases to eight members playing on LIV Golf, allowing them to compete in conflicting events in 2026 without further sanctions. Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner, was not included in the list after refusing to pay outstanding fines. The decision could affect his eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the DP World Tour announced that eight of its members who compete on LIV Golf have been granted conditional releases for the 2026 season. The players are Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie. These releases permit them to play in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments without facing additional disciplinary action, provided they meet specific conditions.
The conditions include paying all outstanding fines for past breaches of DP World Tour regulations, withdrawing any pending appeals, and participating in additional stipulated DP World Tour tournaments along with associated media activities and promotions. In a statement, the DP World Tour said: “The conditions these members have accepted will provide additional value to the DP World Tour and benefit to the entire membership.” It added that, if satisfied, “no disciplinary action under the Regulations will be taken against them for playing in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf in 2026 and they will retain their membership status.”
The releases apply only to the 2026 season and are not precedent-setting, with future requests to be considered individually. Jon Rahm, who joined LIV Golf in 2023, was notably absent from the list. He has accumulated fines estimated at around £2.5 million ($3 million) for competing in LIV events without permission and has stated he has no intention of paying them. Rahm initiated a formal appeal in 2024, which allowed him to maintain his membership and play in DP World Tour events, including four starts outside majors to stay eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup. There, he contributed to Europe's 15-13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black with a 3-2-0 record as one of captain Luke Donald's picks.
Rahm's ongoing appeal means his DP World Tour membership could be at risk if unsuccessful, potentially barring him from the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. No arbitration date has been announced. Meanwhile, players like Hatton, who was part of the appeal with Rahm, have withdrawn from it and secured their eligibility for future events, including the Ryder Cup.
