After months spent talking about sanctions, suspensions, reprisals and spite, it seems that the world of professional golf has taken the path that we have all been hoping for for a long time.
The pressures in this direction have (fortunately) multiplied over time, until reaching the highest levels.
Over the past weekend, Jay Monahan played 18 holes with Donald Trump and, even if the PGA Tour has firmly refused to reveal any details regarding the topics touched upon by the two, it is reasonable to assume that, also in light of the “closeness” between the newly elected US President and LIV Golf, a little push towards the conclusion of the definitive agreement has arrived.
But, over the weekend of the DP World Tour Grand Final, which saw yet another triumph by Rory McIlroy, another authoritative voice wanted to give his contribution on the new perspective that is emerging on the horizon of world golf.
Paul McGinley, statements
Legends Tour Ambassador Paul McGinley, as always, has his sights set on the matter, and he has laid it out bluntly.
“Like a young boy caught between two major financial powers, the DP World Tour has survived and thrived in a very complicated environment, surrounded by enormous difficulties”
“However, the current state of affairs ensures that no Tour prevails, while players receive disproportionate benefits and the three Tours strive for economic sustainability and invest in improving the product for fans”
“Europe has again shown that it can offer a lot in terms of talent, history and culture”
“Any deal should continue to have Europe at the forefront of the tournament calendar at certain times of the year, hopefully with the majority of the world’s best players in the field”.
The Gleneagles leader loves the European Tour like all of us, and we can only hope that the future is as bright as he hoped, even if Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, in a recent interview said he wants to see a “different calendar” for 2026.
2026 is still far away, however, while 2025 is just around the corner and, according to what was reported (just as I write) by Matt Chivers, journalist of National Club Golfer, on his X profile, it seems to be off to a good start.
Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, Adrian Meronk, Dean Burmester, Joaquin Niemann, Thomas Pieters, Patrick Reed and Lucas Herbert have officially received the DP World Tour card for the 2025 season.