Two years ago, Keith Pelley took on the challenge – or as he prefers to say, ‘opportunity’ – of resuscitating an ailing European Tour. We talk to the Canadian about the many initiatives he has implemented and how he plans to continue carrying the fight to the PGA Tour
European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley is a dapper fellow. Always immaculately dressed – the outfit invariably set off by a pair of matching eyeglasses – the 53-year old Canadian stands out among professional golf’s generally dull administrators. He’s full of ideas, too. During his two-year tenure, several trend-setting initiatives have brightened the European Tour landscape. By way of example, the Tour’s social media team has created a series of fun and informative features that highlight the human and humorous side of the players. And next year, the Austrian Open will feature a shot clock, with penalties in place for anyone taking longer than 40 seconds to hit the ball.
But is Pelley really making any significant progress in his quest to create a product that can really compete with the financial juggernaut that is the PGA Tour? On the eve of the 2016/17 season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, Pelley sat down with John Huggan to answer those questions and a few more besides. A day later, Pelley asked if the interview had gone well. “I’m not sure I was on my best form,” he said. You can judge for yourselves.
You've been in your job a wee while now. What are the things you are most proud of so far?
I think we’ve made some positive steps as of now. But there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m very excited at how well the Rolex Series of events has turned out this year. It has been a very positive aspect of our business, one that has certainly been very well supported by our players.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2018-Ausgabe von Golf Asia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2018-Ausgabe von Golf Asia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island