The DP World Tour was correct to impose sanctions on members who appeared on the rebel LIV circuit without permission, an arbitration panel has determined, in what marks a public embarrassment to the golfers who challenged the penalty.
It is now likely players such as Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter will never feature on the DP World Tour again. Westwood, Poulter and 10 others contested the imposition of a £100,000 fine and two-week suspension after they played in LIV’s first tournament, at the Centurion Club last year, without a release from the DP World Tour.
These were stayed pending the outcome of a case which was heard over five days in London in February. The Tour had argued players were in breach of membership regulations with the players insisting they were entitled to perform on a different platform.
Sport Resolutions is expected to announce this week that panel members found in favour of the Tour, who must now decide whether to pursue further financial payback for appearances in subsequent LIV events.