European Tour bars LIV golfers from membership
The European Tour bars members from playing LIV events, forcing Australian golfers to pick one circuit by October 25.
The European Tour has ended its tolerance of dual membership. Players who join or stay with LIV Golf can no longer compete in European Tour events, the tour's chief executive Guy Kinnings said this week.
The ultimatum matters because Ryder Cup qualification next year requires European Tour membership. Australian golfers Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvius Smylie and Marc Leishman have all played LIV events and now face a hard choice.
The European Tour previously allowed LIV players to keep their cards if they paid fines. That door is now closed.
LIV is fighting for survival after Saudi Arabia's wealth fund cut off funding, and the loss of players could hurt the league's credibility.
- October 25
- Deadline for decision
- $300 million
- LIV funding from BC Partners
- 10 tournaments
- LIV tournament season
- 4
- Australian players affected
Why it mattersAustralian golf fans may see top local pros choose between two rival circuits, which changes where they can watch them compete.
AustraliaAustralian golfers Smith, Herbert, Smylie and Leishman must decide by late October whether to stay with LIV or pursue European Tour cards for the 2026 season and Ryder Cup eligibility.
Open this story in InSnip →
