DP World, PGA Tours expand alliance through to 2035
In the face of increased competition in the form of LIV Golf, the DP World and PGA Tours have unveiled a new joint venture partnership that will see the world’s two biggest tours working together through to at least 2035.
Put in place in late 2020, the existing Strategic Alliance will now be expanded significantly with the PGA Tour increasing its existing stake from 15 percent to 40 percent in European Tour Productions and working with the DP World Tour to further enhance its worldwide tournament offerings and sponsorships opportunities.
PGA and DP World Tour heads Jay Monahan and Keith Pelley
“It was clear from the outset that our Strategic Partnership with the European Tour Group was a powerful agreement for both sides, and we are thrilled with today’s announcement of this expanded partnership,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
“We will continue to collaborate on a global schedule and key commercial areas as we draw our organisations and memberships even closer together while innovating to provide the most entertaining and compelling golf possible to fans around the world.”
DP World Tour Keith Pelley added:
“Building on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between ourselves and the PGA TOUR, this move will significantly enhance the meritocracy that has successfully served the professional game on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 50 years.”
“It is a natural extension and progression of what we have been doing over the past few years and I passionately believe that this move is the right thing for our players, our Tour, our fans, and the game of golf in general.”
Also exciting news for players from the Australasian PGA Tour and Sunshine Tour is the announcement that PGA Tour cards will be awarded to the leading ten players, not including those already exempt, on the end of season DP World Tour Rankings list from 2023.
Two Australians in recent years that would have earned a full PGA Tour card via the new exemptions include Min Woo Lee and Lucas Herbert.
In 2021, Lee finished in 6th place on the DP World rankings thanks to his Scottish Open win and subsequent runner-up finish in Spain. While in 2020, Lucas Herbert was 14th in the year-long points race but would have qualified for a PGA Tour card given the many exempt players finishing above him.
Herbert went on to claim a PGA Tour card for the 2022 season with his breakthrough win at the Bermuda Championship in October 2021 while Lee competed in a handful of tournaments thanks to exemptions and invites.
The flow of benefits does seem to be chiefly one-way towards the PGA Tour, however, the increased opportunities and sponsorship money should ultimately reward those on both sides of the Atlantic.
