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Westwood Fears for Europe's Golf Tour Post-LIV
7 Nov
Summary
- Lee Westwood questions the DP World Tour's strength after LIV Golf's collapse.
- He suggests European players might be better off on the Korn Ferry Tour.
- Westwood anticipates the PGA Tour will make demands on its European counterpart.
Lee Westwood, a former world number one, has voiced concerns about the future stability of the Europe-based DP World Tour after LIV Golf ceased operations. LIV Golf confirmed its wind-down this week due to withdrawn financial support from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the failure of potential new investors. Westwood noted that LIV's collapse might not be entirely beneficial for the DP World Tour, which he feels has lost player leverage.
He anticipates that the PGA Tour, now in a stronger position, will "play hardball" with its European counterparts. Westwood suggested that top European players might even consider competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour's feeder circuit. Westwood also pointed to the PGA Tour's "plan for the future" which he feels does not sufficiently mention the DP World Tour.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have an extended strategic alliance, including annual investment payments of £59 million. However, Westwood believes there are "a lot of questions still to be answered" regarding the alliance's new terms. He speculated that the PGA Tour would likely impose significant demands if it continues to finance the DP World Tour, citing concerns about future prize funds and the overall direction of European golf.
