The DP World tour is the European chapter of golf, organizing and overseeing its proceedings in all of Europe. It is generally known as the European tour or PGA Europe. However, the organization is now named after the Dubai Logistics company, DP World, due to partnership and sponsorship deals. It conducts most of its events in Europe, although, more recently, some are held outside Europe’s terrains. Its most prestigious games are held in the UK, Spain, France, etc. David William stands as the organization’s present chairman, while Keith Pelly is the CEO.
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DP World Tour History
The European Tour became officially recognized in 1972, owing to the integration of European Majors. Before that, golfing in Europe was largely conducted by independent organizers and sponsors. The first multi-competitor tournament recorded in Europe was in 1860. The Open Championship. This event encouraged other organizers to plan their golf competition; decades after, golf became a full-blown sport in other European countries.
As the game progressed, organization ensued. The Professional Golfers Association was established in Great Britain, and this organization birthed the European Tour. Initially, the Tour spanned over a six-month period, but slowly sprawled into a 1-year calendar.
Also, at its inception, all its events were held in Europe, mainly the UK and Scotland. However, events from other continents began being integrated into the European chapter of golf. The Tunisian Open of 1982 signaled the first tournament held outside Europe on the European Tour. In 1989, it first visited Asia, and in 1995, South Africa began partnering with the organization for its competitions.
Behind the PGA Tour of America, the DP European Tour has grown to be considered the most important. Its prestige, organization, and prize money serve as signals of its growth into a formidable sports organization.
DP World Tour Events
The European aspect of golf infuses many events into its annual calendar. It’s in its 52nd season, and for sponsorship reasons, it is labeled the DP World Tour. But, it still boasts of a host of mouthwatering events in Europe and out of Europe – South Africa, UAE, Mauritius, Kenya, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
The 2023 season officially began in November 2022 and will close in November 2023 with the Tour championship. As usual, the four Masters tournaments will be conducted. The first of them – Masters Tournament; USA – will commence on the 9th of April, 2023. The PGA Championship and the U.S. Open will be held in May and June. The last of the annual Masters Tournaments – The Open Championship – will be played in July.
The notable Rolex series also spreads its events in key parts of the season. The first two of its series—The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and The Hero Dubai Desert Classic—occurred in late January 2023. The Genesis Scottish Open will be held in July, while the BMW PGA Championship commences in mid-September. At the tailend of the season is when the last Rolex Series will be held. The DP World Tour championship Rolex Series will be the last event of the 2023 season in November.
The World Golf Championship – WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play – occurs in March.
DP World Tour Partners
Named after the organization, DP World is the prime sponsor of the European Tour. The multinational logistics company boasts of a smart, fast, safe, and cheaper way of transporting goods. Established in 2005, the company is based in Dubai and grossed $10.7 billion in 2021.
Rolex is also a major partner of the European World Tour. It first sponsored golf in 1967 and is now a major golfing partner worldwide. The tour’s other partners include BMW, Emirates Air, Fortinet, Hilton, Zoom, Cignpost, Five9, and Standard Chartered.
DP World Tour Legends
Seve Ballesteros Sota: Seve was a Spaniard with a unique golf-playing ability. The former world number 1 won ninety titles in his career, including 50 in the European Tour – making him the first on the all-time’s list. The veteran was able to accrue 5 major tournaments over the span of his play. He won his last tournament in 1995 at the Peugeot Spanish Open. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2011 due to brain cancer.
Bernhard Langer: Bernhard amassed a total of 42 European Tour wins, making him the second-ranked just behind Seve Ballesteros. He is a pioneer of two majors and was popular in the 80s and 90s for his golfing prowess. Bernhard was the first person to be ranked number one in golf, following the establishment of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). He is now a senior golfer.
Tiger Woods: Regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the sport’s history, and one of the most popular sportsmen ever, Tiger Woods made a name playing professional golf. He was born Eldrick Tont Woods in 1975 and ascended to the pinnacle of professional golf. He has won 41 European Tours. With over 110 professional tournament wins, he’s joint first in titles. Also, the legend has won 15 majors, making him second-ranked. Recently, he has dealt with injuries and even an accident that hampered his ability to play golf. However, Tiger Woods remains on the table of the greatest golf players.
Colin Stuart Montgomerie: Born in 1963, Colin Montgomerie is largely regarded as one of the greatest golf players ever to grace a European course. With 31 European Tour Championships, seven consecutive European Tour Order of Merits, and another one eight years after, he cemented his name as a golf connoisseur. He is the fourth all-time biggest winner in the franchises’ history, while hanging at fifth in the Senior Chapter of the European Tour.
Conclusion
DP World is the poster sponsor of the European World Tour. Hence, its name is now synonymous with the organization. The company brings a vast array of opportunities, promotion-wise and financially speaking. Moreover, sponsoring a popular organization such as the European World Tour is a good marketing strategy for the company.
Considering the franchises other sponsors and copious events scattered throughout the season, investments into the body are given. Hence, viewers are sure to have an exceptional time following its schedule. To get the sporting event ticket to any event you choose, click the link, or check the DP European Tour website, and you’ll be served.
