Faldo: LIV players must start over to rejoin DP World Tour
Sir Nick Faldo says golfers who left for LIV should not be given an easy path back to the DP World Tour, suggesting they may need to go through qualifying school. He told BBC Sport that he hears more players want to leave LIV than stay, and that the tour's future is uncertain. The comments come as LIV's season has ended and some players like Tyrrell Hatton are competing in the British Masters.
The DP World Tour's tournament committee met Tuesday to discuss reintegration options, while LIV faces financial uncertainty after its Team Championship in Michigan was cancelled and its season concluded in Indianapolis. Faldo, promoting the Belfry event, suggested returning players should go through qualifying school rather than receive automatic reinstatement, noting that exemptions already held by players like Rahm would ease their path.
Hatton's choice of "I Want to Break Free" as his walk-on music at Indianapolis was widely interpreted as signalling his departure. Hatton, McKibbin, and Meronk retain DP World Tour membership through a deal permitting dual participation without sanctions this year. Faldo emphasised that players who caused disruption should "start again" and climb back through traditional routes.
The potential return of LIV players could reshape competitive balance on the DP World Tour, affecting rankings, prize money distribution, and qualification opportunities for loyal members. Fans may see familiar rivalries renewed, but the reintegration process could also create resentment among players who stayed. The outcome may influence how professional golf structures its tours going forward, with implications for player careers and tournament fields.