Keith Pelley blasts “lazy narrative” about DP World Tour

The chief executive of the DP World Tour has hit out at what he calls the “lazy narrative” surrounding the health of the circuit.  

Speaking on the latest episode of The bunkered Podcast, Keith Pelley insisting that it has never been stronger, despite suggestions to the contrary. 

Pelley was appearing on the show a week after an arbitration panel upheld the DP World Tour’s conflicting tournament release regulation and its ability to sanction members – specifically those aligned with the LIV Golf League – who breach it. 

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“I get amused when people talk about the DP World Tour not being in a strong position,” said Pelley. “I’d love to have that conversation because I don’t know where it comes from. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever been in a stronger position, and especially in the face of competition, especially in the face of inflation. My people, my management team, I say, ‘You can’t worry about that. That’s a lazy narrative. It’s not factually based. It’s easy for people to be provocative but it’s also ill-informed.’ 

“I don’t think we’ve ever been stronger. This is a narrative that’s been pushed by people who stand to benefit from it, in my opinion. Sadly, that includes some players whose careers were built on our tour and who are now incentivised on another tour and have equity in it.” 

In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelley also discussed the DP World Tour’s strategic alliance with the PGA Tour, the Ryder Cup, and his own future.  

The Canadian also dismissed comparisons between his tour and the Asian Tour as “preposterous”.  

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“I said last year during the BMW [PGA Championship] at Wentworth, when you look at the playing opportunities, the number of tournaments, the number of countries where we play, the number of broadcast partners, the quality of our sponsors, the internationality of our players, the total number of members, the innovation inside and outside the ropes, the inclusivity, the embracing of the women’s game and golfers with a disability… the whole concept that the DP World Tour is struggling, I struggle with that. 

“Now we’re suddenly a weaker tour? It’s an argument which simply doesn’t stack up.” 

Click here to listen to the full episode now. 

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor