MATTHEW FITZPATRICK OFFERS DISMAL ASSESSMENT OF GOLF CHIEF’S TENURE

Matthew Fitzpatrick has offered his thoughts on the departure of DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley, who has taken on a new role in Canada.

England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick is a largely unassuming presence in the world of men’s professional golf.

When asked about his thoughts on the news that Keith Pelley, the CEO of DP World Tour, had resigned, the Englishman—who is known for having a strong mind—answered in a harsh one-sentence manner.

Pelley has made the decision to take up his position as president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. in his home country of Canada.

The 60-year-old businessman insists he will continue to help negotiate the peace agreement with LIV Golf’s financiers and the PGA Tour over the next three months before handing over to his number two Guy Kinnings.

But there is no doubt the Tour looks decidedly different to when he took up the position eight and a half years ago.

Pelley has undoubtedly had successes such as launching a Tour for disabled golfers, introducing the Rolex Series events and steering the circuit through the pandemic.

But there are some who believe his decision-making over the last few years has weakened the Tour.

For example, the move to strengthen their ties with the established North American circuit through a ‘strategic alliance’ has received criticism.

Elsewhere, one of the chief complaints from professionals appears to be the decision to award the leading 10 players in the Race to Dubai with PGA Tour cards.

It is an initiative Pelley has defended fiercely, arguing the accusations of being a feeder tour are ‘lazy’.

Pelley has said the move has simply formulated a pathway that has always existed.

World No.2 Rory McIlroy reckons it’s far too soon to judge Pelley’s tenure. Fitzpatrick thinks differently.

He was asked by a Golfweek reporter: “What do you consider his legacy to be?”

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

Robert MacIntyre, who is starting his first full season on the PGA Tour in 2024, is one player who is appreciative of Pelley.

“He got me to the PGA Tour, didn’t he?” he said to the publication.

“I believe that golf will become a global sport given the direction it is taking.

“He’s provided me with a route to reach goals I’ve always desired to reach. I wish him luck.”