PGA Tour integrates European Tour for the first time

This move opens the actual implementation roadmap since the two sides established a strategic alliance last year.

Accordingly, the Barbasol and Barracuda Championship of the PGA Tour next season will receive 50 European Tour member players each. This is an unprecedented move in the history of the US tournament system since 1929, including when it was under the Professional Golf Association of this country (PGAA). In addition, the Scottish Open will become a co-sponsor event, with the roster split equally between the two sides. This tournament has not been determined to host, expected from 7-10/7, parallel with Barbasol. And Barracuda took place a week later, with the framework of the major The Open.

In addition, the Irish Open 2022 prize fund on the European Tour will nearly double to $6 million thanks to the support from the PGA Tour.

Previously, the World Golf Championship (WGC) group consisted of HSBC Champions, Mexico Championship, Dell Match Play and FedEx St. Jude Championship has been part of the PGA Tour since 1999. However, in the first season of the alliance with Europe, the WGC group only had HSBC Champions and Dell Match Play. Tournaments in Mexico became routine, while FedEx St. Jude replaces Northern Trust in the group of three playoff events that determine the results of the FedEx Cup, alongside BMW and the Tour Championship.

“Through this information, I want to emphasize that both arenas are at their strongest point in history. Over the next 10 years, we will grow faster than in any previous period,” said Special Envoy Jay. Monahan – the most powerful figure on the PGA Tour – spoke at the announcement of the new schedule on August 3.

“Last year, we said bilateral cooperation was a turning point for the global golf ecosystem and for mutual benefit. Today, we want to show that promise in action. The three co-sponsor events will be. This is just the beginning,” said Keith Pelley, CEO of European Tour, to the partner.

The two sides announced a strategic alliance on November 27, 2020 with two priority activities: PGA Tour becomes a small shareholder in European Tour Productions. This member unit produces and distributes content for the international market, scheduling joint matches, bonus funds and competition opportunities for member golfers on each side.

A nine-year media contract between the PGA Tour and three major US broadcasters – CBS Sports, NBC Sports and ESPN – effective from 2022. The total value of the contract each year is assessed by experts to USD 680 million.

The European arena recently ended its three-year sponsorship of Saudi International. Last week, the PGA Tour announced that it would not be processing membership applications for this tournament.

The financial backing group for Saudi International invested in the Asian Tour. This move is said to be a new solution to change the situation of international professional golf, which is in the hands of the US and Europe. Before that, the Saudi group was deadlocked with the plan to open the “Super Golf Arena” – Super Golf League.

Quoc Huy