McDowell eyes return to DP World Tour

Former major winner still has hopes of Ryder Cup role

Graeme McDowell: I would do anything to support the team. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Graeme McDowell is considering rejoining the DP World Tour as he still harbours distant hopes of future Ryder Cup involvement.

The former US Open champion joined LIV Golf four years ago and had his contract renewed for the 2026 season but is looking at the summer as a time to make his return to the European circuit.

McDowell, 46, has been encouraged by the offer accepted last month by eight other LIV golfers, including Tyrrell Hatton, to rejoin after agreeing to specific conditions and although his lengthy absence excludes him from any Ryder Cup involvement at Adare Manor next year the four-time player and two-time vice-captain has not given up hope.

“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 is keen to play the Irish Open and Dunhill Links, 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.

“The (Ryder Cup) rule has been around for a long time and that would have to change. People will say that I don’t deserve to be there. I’ve made my bed, I should sleep in it, which is true. 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.”