Of their newest response to the risk posed by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Sequence, the 2 circuits introduced the subsequent section of their strategic alliance, which was signed in November 2020.
The purpose is to counter what Rory McIlroy describes because the “boatloads of money” supplied by LIV Golf which have succeeded in attracting the likes of Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed to the 54-hole, 48-man occasions, ensuing of their suspension from the PGA Tour.
Former Open champion Shane Lowry has welcomed the sense of “consolation” given by the strengthening of ties between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
From 2023 the highest 10 finishers on the DP World Tour rankings not already exempt will achieve PGA Tour playing cards, with the US circuit growing its stake in European Tour Productions from 15 to 40 per cent and that cash used to ensure will increase in DP World Tour purses for the subsequent 5 years.
“As a DP World Tour member and PGA Tour member it creates a pleasant sense of consolation there that the 2 excursions are working collectively and that world golf is powerful going ahead,” Lowry mentioned.
“There’s been loads of uncertainty in golf during the last whereas and I really feel that is nice for DP World Tour members. With the assured prize funds for the subsequent few years individuals can plan their seasons and go on the market and play for good cash each week, which is what you wish to do as an expert golfer.”
Lowry has made it clear he isn’t inquisitive about becoming a member of the breakaway circuit and is contesting this week’s Horizon Irish Open whereas the second LIV occasion takes place in Portland.
The world quantity 24 is certainly one of 5 top-50 gamers within the discipline at Mount Juliet in comparison with eight showing at Pumpkin Ridge and acknowledges the £4.9million occasion may benefit from a change in date to make sure an excellent stronger discipline.
“We’ve just a few of the highest gamers on the planet, myself and Seamus (Energy), and we now have Paddy (Harrington) getting back from profitable the (Senior) US Open, which is nice, however we want to have a stronger discipline right here, there’s little question about that,” Lowry added in his pre-tournament press convention.
“Personally, I do really feel just like the date could possibly be checked out. I’ve talked about it with the Tour yearly, and we’d like to have the date the place we are able to assure Rory (McIlroy) coming again and taking part in right here yearly, what works for his schedule.
“As a result of on the finish of the day, we do must acknowledge what he’s finished for the event and what he must do to get able to play his majors as a result of that’s what it’s all about for him in the meanwhile.”
Lowry received the Irish Open as an newbie in 2009 and is relishing the prospect of a second victory on the again of his first missed reduce of the yr – from the hardest facet of the draw – within the US Open at Brookline.
“I say it yearly, it’s all the time nice to come back again to The Irish Open and I owe so much to it for the place I’m within the recreation with the beginning that I had in 2009,” Lowry mentioned.
“It gave me the kickstart to my profession that I actually wanted, undoubtedly gave me one up on the remainder of the blokes round my degree on the time.”
Lowry, who missed the reduce by a shot at Brookline when it surprisingly fell at three over, added: “I’ve to say that was one of many extra disappointing Friday evenings I’ve had.
