Report: DP World Tour takes different approach to PGA Tour over LIV Q-School
According to a report, the DP World Tour has issued warnings to members thinking of playing in LIV Golf's promotions event without a tournament release.
The DP World Tour has warned its members they could face fines or suspensions for appearing in LIV Golf's qualifying school in December if they tee it up in the event without a release.
A memo obtained by The Times of London confirmed members of the European-based circuit have 24 hours to apply for permission.
LIV Golf's promotions event will be held over 8-10 December, awarding three places into the 2024 LIV Golf League.
The schedule for the rival league's third campaign has not been released but on 8 November details were confirmed over the breakaway's transfer market and free agency.
LIV is widely expected to announce a similar schedule with 14 global events. Players who compete in LIV can expect to earn a minimum of £1.3m in one season, making it a tantalising opportunity for any disenfranchised rank-and-file members of the tour.
The decision by the Old World circuit is completely at odds with the PGA Tour's in this regard.
It was confirmed by Sports Illustrated last week the North American circuit wouldn't prohibit any of their members from playing.
The promotions event clashes with the Alfred Dunhill Links. The memo stated DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley will ultimately make the decision whether to grant releases.
In full, the memo read:
The decision brings back memories of LIV's inaugural event last June.
European legends like Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood were banned and given hefty fines for playing in the first ever LIV tournament at Centurion Club just outside of London.
The golfers ultimately ended up losing a protracted legal battle, with a sports arbiter ruling against them.
They subsequently resigned their memberships with their home circuit.
Poulter and Westwood confirmed they have paid their fines as a result of the decision.
Garcia was the only player whom the DP World Tour alleged didn't pay his fines. It was later reported that he offered to pay up in a bizarre, last-ditched attempt to play the 2023 Ryder Cup.
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