The future of the strategic alliance between PGA Tour and DP World Tour is important for the future of the golf. A little over a year ago we talked about the implementation of the so-called “strategic alliance” between the two most important world tours.
It would therefore be logical to make an initial assessment to understand the fruits of this collaboration. But at this very moment it happens that the PGA Tour, in giving a violent acceleration to its activities aimed at countering LIV Golf, risks going to undermine the very foundations of the collaboration.
The contents of the press conference that Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, held before the FedExCup Tour Championship underway at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta cannot fail to perplex European fans as well as the upper floors of the headquarters of the (was ) European Tour.
Pga and Dp
Monahan emphasized the commitment made by the top players of the PGA Tour to participate in the package of 20 premium tournaments (of which only 13 are currently clearly identified) that will represent the centerpiece of the 2022-2023 season.
He announced the enhancement of the Player Impact Program, which also includes some changes to its operation. The Commissioner also announced the introduction of what we could call a “minimum wage” for each member of the Tour, who will receive a minimum of $ 500,000.
We also remind you that at the end of the current season, the top 10 Race to Dubai players who do not yet have the PGA Tour card will automatically get it for the 2023 season. Let’s face it clearly. The risk of seeing the European Tour completely emptied of all its top players is more than concrete.
Already today all the best players of the Old Continent play permanently on the PGA Tour, just think of Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland. The benefits that the DP World Tour has obtained so far from the strategic alliance are small in the face of the clouds that are gathering on the horizon. A strong signal is needed to stop the decline of the European Tour. Will arrive?
