As Keith Pelley enters his final week in charge of the European Tour, Iain Carter assesses the Canadian's nine-year tenure as chief executive.
The 'strategic alliance' that DP World Tour boss Keith Pelley struck with his PGA Tour counterpart Jay Monahan helped bolster the European circuit's finances
When he arrived in 2015 he was already aware of upstart plans for a golf super league. Pelley also knew that his new employers were struggling to rival the behemoth of the US-based PGA Tour. Pelley wanted to modernise golf but was hamstrung because his ultimate responsibility was to the tour's membership.
Pelley knew the PGA Tour could not be beaten and his ultimate vision was for a world tour and collaboration with the United States. But there were also offers to consider from the upstart breakaway Premier Golf League. The deal was also necessary to bolster the DP World Tour's finances which were dramatically and damagingly drained by the impact of covid.
But, having also signed a massive contract to rebrand his circuit as the DP World Tour, Pelley could point to having secured the future for all of his remaining members and that, after all, was his number one priority. Pelley staged the match in Italy and there was initially plenty of scepticism about that bold move. But a glorious week at Marco Simone was a resounding success - golf never felt more big time.He had also piloted the tour through the unique challenges of covid, secured prize funds for the medium term and departs insisting its finances are secure.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PGA Tour talks with Saudi Arabian PIF in Bahamas were 'constructive', says tour boss Jay MonahanThe PGA Tour took a first step in sparking negotiations with Saudi Arabia's national wealth fund with a meeting that commissioner Jay Monahan described as 'constructive'.
Read more »
Shrewsbury Town fans pay tribute to departing chief executive Brian CaldwellShrewsbury Town fans have paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Brian Caldwell following his departure from the Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Read more »
Everton former chief Keith Wyness stunned by ‘absolutely terrifying’ news from WestminsterThe inside track on the football stories that matter
Read more »
Charles Leclerc drops major reveal on departing Carlos Sainz’s F1 futureCarlos Sainz is 'jobless' for next year as it stands, but Charles Leclerc said he's not exactly without potential opportunities.
Read more »
Keith Dambrot, Duquesne stun BYU for first NCAA Tournament win since 1969At least one No. 11 seed has won a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament every year since 2005.
Read more »
Nottingham Forest points deduction: Keith Wyness tears into chiefs after confirmed newsThe inside track on the football stories that matter
Read more »