‘Should Thank Phil’: Golf World Is Left in Agony With Latest DP World Tour Update

DP World Tour has guaranteed money for its players if they play 15 events in the 2022-2023 season. The move came right after the PGA Tour offered the same. As the two major tours began to promise such offers to the players, it became impossible for the spectators to think if Phil Mickelson, LIV Golf, and its guaranteed money programs had been responsible for this change. 

On November 3, Keith Pelley, the CEO of the European Tour, announced the new changes in the upcoming season. According to it, the total purse of the Tour events has increased to $144.2 million, which also includes a new Earnings Assurance Programme for DP World Tour members. 

Because of the new program, the exempt players in categories 1-17 can earn a minimum of $150,000 if they play in 15 or more events in a season. 

DP World Tour credits PGA Tour for the rise in the overall fund

Keith Pelley, the Tour’s Chief Executive commented on it. “Our overall prize fund for the 2023 season represents $50 million more than 2021,” he told the press. “And also underlines the strength of our partnership with the PGA TOUR, who are working with us to drive revenue and a long-term growth plan.” 

Read more: LIV Golf is Not Here to Compete With the PGA Tour. It is Here to Take Over

The DP and PGA Tours joined hands in June this year and formed a ‘strategic alliance’ mostly to improve their fund. “One of the many benefits we have been able to introduce because of this partnership,” Pelley further added. “…is the new Earnings Assurance Programme, similar to what they already have on the PGA TOUR.” 

The Earning Assurance Programme of the PGA Tour guarantees $500,000 for all fully exempt tour players who compete in 15 tournaments. Moreover, the program also assures the best for the rookie Tour players. 

Fans credit LIV Golf and Phil Mickelson for the new changes within the Tours

LIV Golf was the first golf league to offer guaranteed money for its players. The DP and PGA Tours were against the Saudi-backed league’s this scheme. However, many are accusing that they are following the same now with the introduction of their new programs. 

Phil Mickelson was one of the first golfers to start supporting the Invitational Series of LIV Golf. He was also the first to question the financial dealings of the Tour. This has made him distant from the PGA Tour and many of its loyalists. However, now that the fans allege the Tours have followed the same path, some even asked the Tour players to thank Mickelson for helping them to get such benefits. 

Do you think the new change in DP and PGA Tours is the result of LIV Golf and its programs? 

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