DP World Tour CEO longs for LIV Golf deal, and thus a different schedule in 2026

DP World Tour Chief Aims for Transformation by 2026 Amid Complex Merger Talks

As the DP World Tour unveils its 2025 season calendar, newly appointed CEO Guy Kinnings is already looking further ahead, envisioning a more evolved landscape for professional golf by 2026. In an interview with BBC Sport, Kinnings expressed his aspirations for a “much different schedule” come 2026, which, he hopes, would reflect a potential restructuring of the professional game. His remarks point to ongoing negotiations between the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), as these powerful stakeholders work toward unifying a sport that has been divided since the launch of LIV Golf in 2022.

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf, fueled by the PIF, made waves in the golf world when it held its first event just before the 2022 U.S. Open at Brookline. Since then, LIV has brought radical change to the sport, creating fractures among players, fans, and even sponsors. In response to LIV’s rise, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour entered into a historic framework agreement with PIF in June 2023, a move that shocked many in the sport. This initial agreement suspended ongoing litigation between the parties and outlined the potential for a more collaborative future. However, the anticipated deal—initially set for completion by the end of 2023—remains unresolved, leaving the golf world in limbo.

Kinnings acknowledged the frustration felt by fans and players who have been eagerly awaiting a resolution. Speaking to BBC Golf Correspondent Iain Carter, he noted, “I understand that impatience, and we have to be mindful of our fans, who have been brilliant.” He added, “Golf is in such good health, but we have to work on this product. It is complicated and not as easy as everyone thinks. There are transactional elements, scheduling elements, but all the parties you would want are engaged with the right mindset and working towards it. Everyone is mindful of how important it is to get it done.”

Yet, how and when a resolution might emerge remains unclear, especially given potential legal challenges. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed concern that the deal could infringe upon antitrust regulations.