Report: Top brass at DP World Tour having reservations over 'draconian' fines
The top brass at the DP World Tour are reportedly still weighing up their options over sanctions.
The top brass at the DP World Tour reportedly believe £1m fines for some of the 'rebels' who bolted to LIV Golf are 'too draconian', according to a report.
Per Telegraph Sport's Jamie Corrigan, the European circuit is braced for a flood of Ryder Cup legends to resign their memberships.
Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia et al had until 3 May to pay the £100,000 fines that were imposed by the Old World circuit after they appeared in LIV's inaugural event at Centurion Club last June without releases.
That financial penalty was stayed until the dispute was sorted out by a sports arbiter. That arbiter, Sports Resolutions, sided with the DP World Tour.
At the time, it was surprising given that many legal experts anticipated that LIV players had a strong case against the DP World Tour but those embroiled in legal action in the U.S. are less likely to prevail.
DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has been extremely outspoken about the future of the circuit in light of the decision, swatting away criticism that their alliance with the PGA Tour is too one-sided.
Pelley has stated that he has 'no regrets' over the tour's past involvements with the Saudis, highlighted the playing schedule of Rory McIlroy as he hit back at critics and also explained the loophole that means Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell can never be Ryder Cup captains or vice captains.
Per the report, it is said that the players are unwilling to be drawn into another lengthy dispute and would instead rather resign their memberships.
There is also reportedly a players meeting planned before the Italian Open, in which the issue will be discussed at length.
The Italian Open is taking place at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club where this September's Ryder Cup will be staged.
A number of players still hold honorary membership with the DP World Tour, making the situation even more complex.
Some players involved have yet to comment publicly on what has transpired or what they plan to do next.
Patrick Reed did hint that he was considering more legal when the news LIV players had lost their arbitration battle shortly before the 87th Masters.
Reed stated he believed the announcement was 'coincidental but planned'.
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