Pro golf is calling for a global tour. But what does that look like?
Cautious golf fans watching the price tags, money and decisions of the game’s leaders would have you believe there is no such thing as a truly global tour. PGA TOUR/LIV The next step for peacetime golf, they say, is to create a tour that spans time zones, continents and hemispheres. Technically they’re wrong, but figuratively they’re right, as demonstrated by DP World Tour’s clever tableau. That’s because many of the game’s biggest names view the idea of a truly global tour as non-existent in the sport. At least not yet.
Last week, Rory McIlroy shared his dreams for the future of professional gaming. It is a world tour for the most elite golfers, spending most of their time in the dominant US market and also visiting the Far East, Middle East and Australia. . , Singapore and others. “If we really want to, if everybody’s talking about expanding the game, especially if investors want to get into our game and get a return on their capital, I think everybody should think about it,” McIlroy said. . Worldwide. But globally, it’s different from tournament to tournament and tournament to tournament.
The intricacies of McIlroy’s “dream” were not discussed at that news conference, but were explained in an intimate meeting Tuesday between DP World Tour boss Keith Pelley and several reporters. Pelley is headed to Toronto to become CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, but that won’t happen until April 2, and it will be months before he can provide a clearer picture of how the game’s major tournaments they will shape the future. cards. There will be. With or without billions of dollars from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. When asked what he wanted to do, Pelley gave directions. “I think the growth of gaming is global. “I think that should be the focus,” he said. “I think with the growth of [Fenway Sports Group], which owns Liverpool, they understand their global importance. PIF clearly understands the importance of globalization. It’s a global game. Every growing company now wants to go global. It can be seen in Dubai. I saw Dubai’s invitation last week. “I think it would be nice to see a game that incorporates global strategy,” he said.
Global, global, global. Pelley used the term endlessly, a total of 18 times in 40 minutes, but the next question immediately became interesting. Is that how you see the PGA Tour?
“I think the PGA Tour realizes that globalization is the key to growth,” he said. “They’ve heard me say that a few times.”
That last part may have been a little cynical, but his tone was serious. The global future of professional golf will depend on how well the PGA Tour embraces point map views behind the driving range. This week’s event marks the 35th anniversary of the event in Dubai, which has seen its population grow by almost 700% since the tournament’s inception in 1989. Once an Arabian landmark, it is now home to the second headquarters of DP World Tours. . Why not? Dubai is one of nine cities rated Alpha (or better) by the Institute for Globalization and World Ranking, which ranks cities according to their impact on the global economy. Dubai is an intercontinental transit corridor and a financial center for international trade. There is no income tax here, which makes it attractive to golfers looking for a low-tax residence. (That’s why pro golfers born and raised in California buy homes in Nevada, Florida and Texas.)
Where do professional golfers play and how much do they play are probably the two most important questions in the job of a tour golf CEO like Pelley. He considers 10 DP World Tour golfers to earn full status on the PGA Tour each year as one of the highlights of his tenure. “I went back and forth with Mathieu Pavon last night, who finished seventh in his first tournament and won $250,000,” Pelli said. He said, “Thank you, boss.” The France international earned a hefty salary thanks to his status on an island in the middle of the Pacific after impressive performances in Spain, Dubai and South Africa. No wonder Feli’s eyes were sparkling.
Pelley’s tenure may be remembered for his strategic partnership with the PGA Tour, ultimately sacrificing a percentage of the tour for financial stability, but that was far from his only deal with global intentions. Austral PGA has signed a contract with a personal strategic alliance. Also, one of the Korean Paga. A week ago, the DPWT signed another agreement with the China Golf Association. It is a basic element for global communication. Pelley is bringing the Ryder Cup to Rome, Italy for the first time, making it a favorite to bring golf’s most beloved sporting event to one of the cultural capitals of the world. This decision was simple but proved controversial. The price was right, several Italian agencies committed to investing over $100 million over 10 years. On Tuesday, Pelley called it “the best Ryder Cup ever” and took the trophy to “another level.”
In most cases, he should have been right.
