European Tour changes rules to help its US PGA players

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has reduced the number of events players must compete in to retain membership from 13 to five next season.

The latter change replaces the previous requirement for non-European members to play one of more events in their home “region”, and recognises the importance to The European Tour’s promoters, sponsors and broadcasters of players playing in their national tournaments, at the same time as recognising the global nature of the Tour and its membership alongside the need for equality in the membership regulations.

The end of season finale has been shortened from four tournaments to three, with the HSBC Champions being played the week before the start of the Finals.

The world’s top players view the PGA Tour as the number-one option given its bigger prize money, but Pelley wants to change that in years to come. Not only is this important for top-tier players who have relocated to the United States, but it is also critical for players on the fringes of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, who can not necessarily count on getting into all eight events between the majors and WGCs.

Pelley also admitted the European Tour needs to offer more financial reward to players in order to stop the exodus of young talent to the US.

“We have been working tirelessly over the past few months to deliver another successful event this coming weekend, whilst showcasing Jumeirah Golf Estates luxury community and award-winning golf courses to the world”. In 2013, entries were expanded from 12 to 30, but from next year, 72 players will be invited, which will bestow on the event the status of a proper tournament in feel and size. The Nedbank Golf Challenge features twice, being staged from December 3-6, 2015, and again as part of the Final Series.

In other words, Pelley has stripped out co-sanctioned tournaments from membership requirements, simplifying things for European stars who play the bulk of their golf on the PGA Tour.

“The addition of such a prestigious tournament as the NGC to our final series in 2016 will not only enhance the series itself, but will also increase the excitement and anticipation of golf fans across the world”.

“This change will benefit them and enable them to continue to remain in membership with us in what are extremely exciting times for The European Tour”.

“The Nedbank Golf Challenge has grown to become one of golf’s most recognisable events and a tournament the leading players in the world speak of with admiration”.