Could the DP World Tour play a key role in shaping the future of professional men’s golf?
Golf Digest first reported that the circuit is weighing whether it should take the next step in strengthening its “strategic partnership” with the PGA Tour.
Last week’s LIV golf debut event featured several DP World Tour members including Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter as well as Richard Bland, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia. Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour Commissioner, was quick to suspend members who broke Tour regulations. However, Keith Pelley (CEO of DP World Tour) remained silent on the matter. Several DP Tour members are still signed up for the BMW International Open in Munich next week. Pelley sent a memo to players on Tuesday breaking his silence:
Pelley wrote that “From many of my messages and our conversations, I know many of you share that same viewpoint as Jay Monahan expressed to PGA Tour members” in a letter that was leaked to Golf Channel. “Namely, that players who chose this route have disrespected the vast majority members of this Tour.”
Pelley explained that some members had asked why we didn’t follow the PGA Tour’s lead and suspend these players immediately. “While I can understand your frustration, I want to remind you that, although we work closely together with the PGA Tour and have different rules and regulations …”, I am still here to help.
On June 23, a decision will be made on how to deal with violators of its policies. This is also the date that the Genesis Scottish Open commitment deadline will be. The Genesis Scottish Open is co-sanctioned for the first time by both premier circuits.
This is assuming Pelley, who formed a strategic alliance in late 2020 with the PGA Tour, doesn’t make a change and form a relationship with LIV Golf.
Golf Digest’s multiple-time DP World Tour winner, I heard that Pelley was considering a U-turn. I find that very disappointing. But that’s not surprising. Pelley has not been completely truthful with what he’s told the players. It is understandable that you must make decisions that should be kept private. This is a dangerous step. It would have been helpful to be informed from the beginning about what was happening. This is due to the pressure Pelley feels from tournament sponsors. They won’t like the fact they are losing their top players. This isn’t going to end well for Pelley. It will be the end for his reign, I believe. How is it possible to form a strategic alliance for the PGA Tour and then, six months later, have sponsors for the Irish Open or the Scottish Open? Then backstab them like this?
Golf Digest also reported that Pelley was present at the LIV Golf Invitational Series’ debut event in London last week. The following statement was issued by DP World Tour on Wednesday: “We are aware that there have been reports in the media suggesting that Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of DP World Tour, attended the Centurion Club event last week.” This is categorically false as Keith was actually in Sweden for the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed tournament.
It is evident that Pelley faces a crucial decision that could have a major impact on the future hierarchy for professional golf.
By: Adam Schupak
Title: DP World Tour opts not to punish LIV players (for now); could it partner with LIV or strengthen ‘strategic allegiance’ with PGA Tour?
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/06/15/dp-world-tour-liv-golf-pga-tour-keith-pelley-big-decision/
Published Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:49:42 +0000
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