European golf is in poor health but sponsor demands solutions for broken game

This close relationship between tours on both sides of the Atlantic mutually strengthens their positions as the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV attempts to make inroads against the golf establishment.

Kennings had no comment on their move from 54 to 72 holes next season. “It’s a decision they have to make for what’s best for them,” he said. “I don’t expect them to comment on what we do.”

But a solution still needs to be found if the likes of Rahm and Hatton can retain the DPWT membership required to remain eligible for Ryder Cup teams.

Both are appealing against fines and suspensions imposed since they switched to LIV in 2024.

Kennings agrees that the issue needs to be resolved.

“It is,” he said. “This is a matter in the hands of the lawyers, so it would be wrong for me to comment further on this matter. But this matter is ongoing.”

Van Otterdijk wonders whether both players could be tempted to return to the Foundation Tours when their LIV contracts expire.

“These guys might decide, ‘Look, we got our money from the LIV Tour,'” he speculated. “We would love to come back for more tours.

“How exactly that will happen, I don’t know. That will be the other interesting thing. Do they come back via the European Tour, for example?

“As it stands, there’s a barrier to the PGA Tour. They can’t get back on that tour.

“But I expect Guy will look at this and say, ‘Okay, we’ll come back through the European Tour, get one of the 10 cards and come back that way. Maybe that’s a good way to do it, that would suit us.’

While Kennings is understandably cautious and cautious about the future, the supporters who have named his tour are more vocal. And conversations about money and DP World put a lot of it in the game.

They are convinced that golf is approaching crisis time. The divisive nature of men’s professional golf cannot continue, even when someone as charismatic and transcendent as McIlroy is in control.

Van Otterdijk brokered the latest deal that provides the Kinnings organization with a great deal of security. But DP World’s sponsorship chief wants more and demands unity.

He added: “I think this is the only solution.” “They all see the need and the benefit of it. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to get it the way they want it.”

“This is the issue, where concessions and reconciliations must be made. We have been very clear to all three parties with whom we have had discussions.

“Listen to the fans and listen to the sponsors because without those two groups, you won’t have a product and the players won’t have any money to play for.

“So, I’m sure they will. There are three different parties that have a view on the same outcome, but they have three different ways of getting there.”

“This is the challenge, isn’t it? This is the challenge to overcome.”