Golf’s two greatest skilled excursions have introduced a brand new “strategic alliance”, saying that it heralds a brand new period for the worldwide sport.
The US-based PGA Tour is becoming a member of along with the European Tour, based mostly within the UK at Wentworth.
They’ll collaborate on business alternatives and worldwide media rights.
The deal may also have an effect on scheduling, prize funds and taking part in alternatives for members of each excursions.
As a part of the deal, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will serve on the board of the European Tour.
“This partnership is an historic second for the sport of golf,” mentioned European Tour chief govt Keith Pelley.
“It’s a improbable alternative for each the European Tour and the PGA Tour to discover methods to return collectively on the very pinnacle of our sport and work in unison for the good thing about the lads’s skilled sport.”
Monahan added: “We’re thrilled to announce this additional strengthening of our partnership with the European Tour, and we sit up for working collectively for the good thing about the lads’s skilled sport and for golf followers around the globe.”
Evaluation
It’s a transfer that makes excellent sense. There was little to be gained from the 2 circuits performing as rivals.
The PGA Tour is a far larger and higher resourced entity and attracts the most important prize funds and finest identified gamers.
However the European Tour has a wealthy historical past and a world footprint that stretches approach past its continental boundaries. The Rolex Sequence of huge cash tournaments are important European Tour property.
This strategic alliance would counsel a extra cohesive calendar going ahead on either side of the Atlantic.
Whether or not it will definitely results in a full takeover by the US tour is one other matter. Such a transfer would wish 75% help from the gamers who’re members of the European Tour.
