Tyrrell Hatton among eight DP World Tour members allowed to play in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments - but not Jon Rahm

Eight members of the DP World Tour have been granted permission to participate in LIV Golf tournaments in 2026, while two-time major champion Jon Rahm has not received the same dispensation. This decision hinges on the players meeting specific conditions set forth by the DP World Tour.

Players Granted Release

Tyrrell Hatton is among the eight players who will be allowed to compete in LIV Golf events in 2026 without facing disciplinary action from the DP World Tour. The other players granted this release are Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie.

Conditions for Participation

To retain their DP World Tour membership and avoid penalties, these eight golfers have accepted a series of conditions. These include fully paying any outstanding fines incurred for previous breaches of DP World Tour regulations and withdrawing all currently pending appeals related to those breaches. They are also required to participate in additional DP World Tour tournaments and media engagements.

Did You Know? Jon Rahm’s outstanding fines are estimated to be in the region of £2.5million.

Rahm’s Situation

Jon Rahm has previously stated he has “no intention” of paying the fines levied against him for playing in LIV Golf events without official permission. This stance could potentially jeopardize his participation in next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland.

Future Implications

The DP World Tour has clarified that these releases are specific to the year 2026 and are not intended to establish a precedent for future requests. Each request for release to participate in conflicting events will be considered individually. Disciplinary measures will continue to be applied to members who compete in LIV Golf events without obtaining prior release.

Expert Insight: The DP World Tour’s approach appears to be a calculated attempt to balance maintaining its regulatory authority with acknowledging the evolving landscape of professional golf and the financial incentives offered by LIV Golf. The individual assessment process suggests a desire for control over player participation while avoiding blanket prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required for the eight players to maintain their DP World Tour membership?

The eight players must pay their outstanding fines in full, withdraw all pending appeals, and participate in additional DP World Tour tournaments and media activity.

Why was Jon Rahm not granted a release?

Jon Rahm has stated he has “no intention” of paying the fines for previously playing in LIV Golf events without permission.

Does this decision set a precedent for future releases?

The DP World Tour has stated that the releases only apply for 2026 and are not “precedent setting,” with future requests to be considered on an individual basis.

How will the evolving relationship between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf impact the future of professional golf?

Tyrrell Hatton among eight DP World Tour members allowed to play in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments – but not Jon Rahm | Golf News