Confusion Surrounds Golf Tour Merger
Mystery surrounded the future structure of the world golfing calendar after
revelations that the European Tour could combine with its counterparts in other
continents to compete more effectively with the US PGA Tour.
European Tour chief executive George O’Grady stated that the Tour was in the
‘final stages’ of discussions on a deal which would see it combine with the
likes of the Australasian and Asian Tours.
‘The idea of amalgamating with other tours to put on a really attractive
schedule by whatever name we call it is one we are in the final stages of
refining,’ commented O’Grady.
‘We respond to the wishes of the rest of the world; the Australasian Tour,
South Africa, Asian Tour and Japan coming together, as long as we identify the
key tournaments. I think we are absolutely down the line on that discussion.
‘It won’t be a world tour, that’s far too grand for me to come up with. When
I am ready to announce the name, we’ll announce it.
‘We will be administering it and there might be a name change. We are the
European Tour and we are working with all our partners to make, I would say, a
strong alternative to the PGA Tour.’
However, O’Grady’s comments were met with surprise by the Asian Tour which
claimed that it knew nothing of the plans.
‘We have not been informed or approached by the European Tour on its proposed
idea,’ said Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han.
‘The Asian Tour has an existing co-sanction program with the European Tour.
If new proposals are put forward to the Asian Tour, it will be evaluated based
on its benefit to the Asian Tour.
‘As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian
Tour appreciate the integrity of the other international tours in discussing
with us new playing opportunities that may arise in Asia.’
O’Grady denied that his stated plans constituted a war between the European
and US circuits.
‘We are not in conflict with the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour opened its doors to
the best golfers in the world, made them welcome. They make every international
golfer welcome and I suppose you have got to credit them for that.’
