LIV Golf Lawyers Accuse DP World Tour of Interfering in Signings
By Staff Writer
2 min read
LoopGolf
Key takeaways
- LIV Golf's legal team told a bankruptcy court the DP World Tour is deliberately interfering with player signings for LIV Golf 2.0, at a Wednesday hearing.
- The complaint followed DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings telling the BBC on Monday that players must choose between the two tours.
- Judge Michael B. Kaplan, overseeing the case in New Jersey, said Kinnings' comments do raise concerns.
- LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has until October 25 to secure enough player sign-ups to finalize an investment deal with BC Partners.
- Jon Rahm has already ruled himself out of joining LIV Golf 2.0.
LIV Golf's attorneys told a US bankruptcy court this week that the DP World Tour is trying to disrupt the league's player recruitment for its planned 2.0 relaunch, escalating tension between the two tours ahead of a key deadline.
What did LIV Golf's lawyers argue in court?
At Wednesday's hearing in New Jersey, LIV Golf attorney Rob Fitzgerald told the court the DP World Tour's recent public stance amounts to interference with the league's signing process and raises competition concerns over player freedom. He argued the timing of the DP World Tour's comments points to a deliberate effort to derail LIV Golf 2.0 while the league works to confirm which players will join, and said LIV Golf expects to know by the end of October whether the relaunch can proceed.
The dispute traces to comments DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings made to the BBC on Monday, saying players need to choose between rejoining his tour or playing in LIV Golf 2.0. Fitzgerald characterized that framing as an unfair ultimatum that pressures players and conflicts with LIV Golf's founding emphasis on player freedom across competing leagues.
How did the judge respond?
Judge Michael B. Kaplan, who is overseeing LIV Golf's bankruptcy proceedings, told the court: "The comments I have read do raise concerns." The remark suggests the dispute could draw further scrutiny as it plays out alongside LIV Golf's reorganization case.
A federal bankruptcy judge, not just LIV Golf's own lawyers, is now on record questioning the DP World Tour's ultimatum.
What's the deadline for LIV Golf 2.0?
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has until October 25 to reach a sufficient level of player sign-ups needed to close an investment deal with BC Partners. Jon Rahm has already said he will not join the relaunched league, while other players who split time between the DP World Tour and LIV last season under a now-expired Wentworth arrangement, including Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin, are still weighing their options. The decision carries added weight for European players with the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor approaching.
Frequently asked questions
What did LIV Golf accuse the DP World Tour of doing?
LIV Golf's lawyers told a bankruptcy court the DP World Tour is interfering with the league's player signings for its 2.0 relaunch.
What did the DP World Tour's CEO say that prompted the complaint?
Guy Kinnings told the BBC that players need to choose between rejoining the DP World Tour or playing in LIV Golf 2.0.
When does LIV Golf need to finalize its 2.0 player sign-ups?
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has until October 25 to secure enough commitments to complete an investment deal with BC Partners.
Is Jon Rahm joining LIV Golf 2.0?
No. Rahm has ruled himself out of joining the relaunched league.
- liv golf
- dp world tour
- guy kinnings
- jon rahm
- scott o'neil
- liv golf 2.0
- ryder cup
