Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to Keith Pelley’s departure

The dust is yet to settle on Keith Pelley’s decision to stand down as chief executive of the DP World Tour.

But that hasn’t held Matt Fitzpatrick back from detailing the state in which Pelley has left the game on this side of the Atlantic.

After a wild few days for golf, with R&A frontman Martin Slumbers also set to step down, Fitzpatrick pulled no punches.

In conversation with Golfweek, the Englishman was asked what he considered Pelley’s legacy to be.

“Probably giving away the 10 best players for Europe to the PGA Tour. I would say so, yeah,” replied Fitzpatrick.

To the nine-time DP World Tour winner’s disappointment, Pelley introduced the ‘ten cards initiative’ under his leadership of the formerly known European Tour.

It means the top ten finishers on the Race to Dubai will earn PGA Tour cards for the following season.

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Five of those are competing alongside Fitzpatrick at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, including Scotsman Robert MacIntyre.

On Pelley’s departure, the Oban man lauded the opportunity he has been given to fulfil his dreams.

MacIntyre said: “He got me to the PGA Tour, didn’t he?

“I think the way the world of golf is going it’s going to be a world tour. He’s given me a pathway to achieve dreams I’ve always wanted to achieve. Good luck to him.”

Pelley, 60, will head back to his native Canada after eight-and-a-half years with the European Tour Group.

Upon joining in 2015, he became only the fourth Chief Executive since the European Tour’s formation in 1972 and will join Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd (MLSE).

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Meanwhile, Justin Rose praised Pelley for being a positive ‘disruptor’ of the game, and despite being one of the tour’s veteran players, admitted the departure came as a shock.

“I didn’t see it coming. He’s Canadian and it gives him a chance to go home.

“Listen, you never know when these types of jobs come around but [it’s] tough timing as well. There’s a lot to unpack and figure out at the moment.

“It would be nice if there was clarity before he’s leaving.”

Guy Kinnings, the current Deputy CEO and Executive Director – Ryder Cup, will become the new chief executive from Tuesday April 2, 2024.

“He [Kinnings] plays the agent card really well,” added Rose. “He’s comfortable wearing a little pink.

“Ever since the alliance I always figured he was in line for a top job with one of the tours, so this doesn’t surprise me.”

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.