Keith Pelley responds to “hugely significant” day for golf

The chief executive of the DP World Tour has lauded the agreement between tours to merge and “unify men’s professional golf” on a “hugely significant” day for the game.

Keith Pelley addressed several questions shortly after the announcement was made in a video posted to the DP World Tour‘s Twitter, and admitted he has no doubt the collaboration will ‘start a new chapter’ in golf’s evolution.

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He said: “There is no question, this united front has the potential to positively shape the future of golf. It also marks the end of the division in our game, and the start of a new chapter in its evolution.

“The litigation and the disruption that has been at the forefront of many of our minds for the last two years is over.

“If that is the only thing that was to come out of this agreement then it would be a cause for celebration, but it’s not. This is about a collaboration deal where the three of us will work together to progress the game.”

The Saudi-backed LIV circuit has caused massive disruption to the golfing landscape over the last two years, and the tension between the bitter rivals has, it appears, abruptly been put to bed.

Despite mass disagreement between the parties in recent times, Pelley claimed the organisations ‘shared the appetite to get a deal done’, as it was the ‘right time’ to come together.

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The Canadian also noted he has been ‘consistent’ throughout his time as tour chief amid a period of huge uncertainty, and says the door was never shut to LIV rebels.

He said: “I’ve been consistent since we announced our sanctions in the first place, that there is always a route back. Players were not banned, there was always a way for them to return to the DP World Tour.

“We will work very collaboratively with the PGA Tour and the PIF to establish what we believe to be a fair and an objective process for any player who wishes to reapply for membership and come back to the DP World Tour.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour on today's landmark agreement between DP World Tour, PGA TOUR and PIF. pic.twitter.com/ezV07DQKnQ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 6, 2023

Pelley is hopeful the framework for the tour’s schedule can be announced in July, potentially at the co-sanctioned Genesis Scottish Open.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.