DEPARTING DP WORLD TOUR BOSS REACTS TO PGA TOUR-SSG DEAL

Departing DP World Tour boss Keith Pelley has sent a memo to members outlining his initial thoughts on the landmark PGA Tour deal with SSG.

The North American circuit announced on 31 January the circuit had approved a deal that will see SSG, a group of US-based investors, commit to an initial investment of $3bn.

There is absolutely no denying PGA Tour stars who rejected the advances of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf are in line to benefit financially.

But questions have been raised over what the deal means for the future of the European-based DP World Tour.

As of yet Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV, are not involved in the deal.

That could change down the line if the PIF choose to come on board as minority investors.

According to critics, the ongoing dispute between PGA Tour officials and representatives of the PIF seems to have resumed due to the significant financial power that the established circuit currently possesses, despite the fact that both parties are still engaging in public discussions.    Pelley, who will depart from his position in April to pursue his desired employment in Canada, has made efforts to address certain worries. 

In a memo that was obtained by @flushingit on X, he stated: “Negotiations involving ourselves, the PGA Tour and the PIF are still on-going, and I believe this announcement gives continued momentum to those discussions as well as being an important step to possible overall alignments between all four entities, SSG included.”

Pelley also stressed the importance of a ‘global’ outlook for the world of men’s professional golf.

He added: “Finally, for the avoidance of any doubt, our current strategic alliance with the PGA Tour which guarantees our prize funds and the ten cards initiative remains firmly in place.”

Pelley was referring to the fact the leading 10 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings now receive PGA Tour cards.

The initiative has led to accusations the DP World Tour has becoming nothing more than a ‘feeder tour’. Pelley has repeatedly denied the accusation.

Read the full memo here:

In January, Pelley declared his intention to resign from his position as chief executive, having served in that capacity for almost nine years.  

In his home country of Canada, he will take charge of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.  

Pelley said that he decided to continue in his position until April because he was confident that an agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the PIF could be reached.