Long before the emergence of LIV Golf, the DP World Tour had better relations with Saudi Arabia. Indeed, the Gulf country hosted Saudi International three times between 2019 and 2021 at the Royal Greens G&CC before the event moved on to the Asian Tour. It was the first time that a circuit of a Major Tour came to the country.
Keith Pelley, statements
Keith Pelley was asked about these old relations with Saudi Arabia. “We introduced the Saudis in 2019 with Saudi International, which was a first for a professional golf tour. I don’t look back, I look forward. It was part of our turn. The Saudis organized a great event for our members and they did the same in 2020 and 2021”.
The strongman of the European circuit continues. “They wanted to get involved in the game and if they hadn’t been on the DP World Tour with us, I think they would have found another way. So I don’t regret it. I’m just looking forward and wondering what’s next, how can we improve our product, and how can we improve our circuit as part of our relationship with the PGA Tour. »
While some fans regret that the DP World Tour did not open the door more to LIV players, especially after the great battle between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed in Dubai earlier this year, the rapprochement seems more than ever impossible after that the UK courts ruled in favor of Keith Pelley and the European Tour in its war with LIV players.
Regarding their participation in the Ryder Cup, Keith Pelley recently confirmed that the decision to include players from LIV rests with European captain Luke Donald. Their qualification by points seems however more than ever impossible.
The PGA Tour is an organization that curates major professional golf tours in the United States. It is based in Ponte Vedra Beach, a suburb of Jacksonville, Florida. Its official name is written in all capital letters, i.e. “PGA TOUR”.
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