Graeme McDowell is considering rejoining the DP World Tour, with the Irish Open and next year’s Ryder Cup in his sights.
The 2010 US Open champion joined LIV Golf in 2022 and he admits the decision to align with the breakaway circuit has complicated his future with Europe’s traditional golf structures.
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Last month, eight LIV golfers settled a long‑running dispute with the DP World Tour, striking a deal allowing them to play on both circuits.
They had been among a number players sanctioned by the DP World Tour for playing in LIV events.
“I have my previous fines all paid off, but I’m sort of at a kind of zero level with the DP World Tour,” McDowell, who has not played at the Irish Open since his switch to LIV, told BBC Sport NI.
“There is a May date where you can approach the Tour and ask for a membership, which is at the discretion of the CEO.
“At that point I’d ask them what they’d want me to do, how many events that might look like and see if that is a workload that I’m willing to take.”
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He continued: “Clearly I miss the Irish Open, I miss being able to play a few of those events in September and October like the Dunhill Links, events that I care about a lot, so I’ll certainly ask the question and see what that looks like for me.
“I’d love to have the conversation with the DP World about the opportunity to go to Ireland and play with Rory [McIlroy] and Shane [Lowry] – that’s definitely something I miss.”
McDowell would do ‘what I could’ to be at next Ryder Cup
McDowell’s last appearance at the Ryder Cup was as a vice-captain in 2021 [Getty Images]
The return of several golfers to the DP World Tour after making the switch to LIV highlights a shift in the relationship between the tours.
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To make a successful return the players had to pay their fines and agree to play in a minimum of six events, two of which are dictated by the DP World Tour and McDowell pointed to these examples as encouraging for the direction of travel.
“We’ve seen guys come back to play events, and that feels like a compromise,” the 46-year-old said.
“It shows there’s a way forward. If others can return, then perhaps there’s a path for me too.”
The 46-year-old represented Europe in four Ryder Cups as a player, most memorably clinching the winning point at Celtic Manor in 2010, and twice as a vice-captain in 2018 and 212.
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His move to golf’s breakaway tour four years ago not only strained his ties with the former European Tour but also raised questions about Ryder Cup eligibility – which is only open to DP World Tour members.
McDowell concedes the controversy has impacted his chances of being involved again as a captain or vice-captain even though he harbours ambitions of doing so.
“Even if I was able to take my membership, I would still fall short of the rules that I haven’t been a continuing member of the DP World Tour now for the last three years, so I do fall short of that regulation, which I understand,” he added.
“The rule has been around for a long time and that would have to change to open up that door for me to have the opportunity, but I obviously would be open to do what I could to be at Adare Manor next year.
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“I understand bringing LIV players creates negative narratives that we don’t want and need there, but if the door is open I would do anything to support the team.
“People will say that I don’t deserve to be there. I’ve made my bed, I should sleep in it, which is true – but I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to be out here on LIV competing, obviously for a lot of money against some good players on a good schedule.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing and I understand the reasons why the Ryder Cup may not happen in any shape or form. I’ve made my peace with that a little bit.
“Of course I am disappointed, we are where we are. It’s just politically, I can’t believe four years later we’re still here, we’re still at such a contentious point when for the fans at home we need to bring the game back together in some way, shape or form. I think it’s the right thing for the game.”
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