• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Europe’s Top Two Golf Leaders Step Down As Saudi Talks Loom

  • The CEOs of the R&A and DP World Tour are stepping down.
  • Both organizations have not ruled out investment from the PIF.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Europe’s top two golf organizations are suddenly undergoing leadership transitions as the professional game continues to sort out investments from LIV Golf’s Saudi Arabian financial backers.

The DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) is working alongside the PGA Tour in negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which wants to inject at least $2 billion into pro golf’s top two tours. This week, DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley announced his exit, and his No. 2 executive, Guy Kinnings, was named as replacement. Pelley is leaving to become president and CEO of Canadian sports behemoth Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Martin Slumbers is stepping down as CEO of the R&A, the governing body (and British counterpart of the United States Golf Association) that runs the Open Championship. Slumbers will work through this summer, but a replacement hasn’t been named yet. Last summer, the R&A became the first organizer of one of golf’s four major championships to entertain investment from the Saudis, even hosting PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the Open in July.

Power Moves 

The executive shake up is key because Kinnings and Slumbers’s eventual replacement will gain significant control over pro golf via two of the seven positions on the Official World Golf Ranking governing board. The OWGR has so far resisted efforts by LIV to receive rankings points. Notably, the fallout from some top players joining LIV—and no longer receiving ranking points—is leading to what could be the smallest Masters field in decades.

Financially, the commercial operations of the DP World Tour, which will pay out nearly $150 million in prize money this year, could soon end up under the control of PGA Tour Enterprises, the new for-profit entity that would also control the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s business dealings if an agreement with the PIF and other investors is finalized. If the R&A were to strike any sort of deal with the PIF, it would open the door for golf’s other three majors to take Saudi money and potentially create an easier path for some LIV golfers to qualify for majors.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
exclusive

Ryan Clark Could Be On Thin Ice at ESPN After Second Public..

Clark and Peter Schrager had a tense on-air moment Friday.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump Attending US Open As Rolex Guest

USTA asked broadcasters not to show “disruptions or reactions” to Trump’s attendance.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) and linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) shake hands while leaving the field following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7

How Ohio State Rebuilt Its NIL Strategy in the Rev-Share Era

The Buckeyes are staying “aggressive” in the new NIL landscape.

Featured Today

Tennis

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
September 5, 2025

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.