Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter return to DP World Tour after settling fines

Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are returning to professional golf following a settlement with the DP World Tour. The two players agreed to pay seven-figure fines, approximately $1.1 million each, for breaching conflicting tournament regulations after joining LIV Golf.

As part of the settlement, both players must serve 10-week suspensions and reapply for membership by late November to be fully reinstated for 2027. For the immediate term, they will compete in the Alfred Dunhill Championship on sponsor invites. While Westwood expressed disagreement with the fines, calling them “excessive,” the move marks the end of a three-year exile from the tour.

Additionally, Westwood is set to make his debut on the Staysure Legends Tour at the Chart Hills Golf Club. His participation is viewed as a significant commercial and branding boost for the senior circuit, providing the tour with increased prestige and potential for higher media and sponsor interest.