Keith Pelley “irritated” by DP World Tour feeder claims

The DP World Tour’s CEO has hit back at claims the European circuit has been diminished by its strategic alliance with the PGA Tour.

Keith Pelley, who was appearing on Golf Today with Eamon Lynch, said that the one thing that irritates him the most is when people claim the DP World Tour is a feeder to the PGA Tour.

Pelley, who has been the CEO of the European circuit since 2015, was asked about suggestions that the tour has been “diminished by the alliance,” and that it’s become a “feeder tour” to the PGA Tour.

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However, he was adamant those claims were untrue.

“To say that I would be irritated by that comment would be a gargantuan understatement,” he said.

“It’s a narrative that our staff are pretty well tired of hearing. The fact that we have a pathway to the PGA Tour, which is basically a formalised pathway that’s been there for years, is one component of what is a multi-faceted tour.

“We’ve got national opens, massive Rolex series events, the BMW PGA Championship.”

Pelley, who recently appeared on The bunkered Podcast, went onto say that despite the top ten finishers on the DP World Tour earning cards to the American circuit, the alliance with the PGA Tour is much more than that.

“A feeder tour is the Korn Ferry Tour, which has one specific goal which is to lead players to the PGA Tour. That is not what the DP World Tour is.

"To say that I am irritated by that comment would be a gargantuan understatement."

DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley didn't hold back when addressing the sentiments that his tour is just a feeder to the PGA TOUR. pic.twitter.com/QmwSNmSg6m

— Golf Today (@GCGolfToday) April 26, 2023

“Although we have a formalised pathway now with ten cards to the PGA Tour, which we’re thrilled about as part of the PGA Tour’s strategic alliance, our alliance is far more than just that.

“We’ve had some quick wins, but really, over time we’ll develop a more cohesive strategy as we work closer with Jay Monahan and his team.”

Pelley also explained that none of the players who have been fined by the DP World Tour for their appearance in a conflicting event have paid their penalties, which are due on May 3.

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“Each player that played in at the Centurion Club, which was the very first LIV event, must pay a fine based on them breaking our rules and regulations around our conflicting tournament release, of £100,000 and that is due on May 3.

“We will wait and see what happens with the players in terms of paying those fines. Then the subsequent ruling which the Sports Resolution agreed, was that we do have the right to enforce our rules and regulations, they’re not anti-competitive.

“As a result we’re now analysing all aspects of our business with our board and our tournament committee about what the sanctions will be for the players who have played without a release over the last year, both on LIV and the Asian Tour.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

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