Note from Tee Times
_{Thank you, and Happy New Year!}

In lieu of an Asian Tour recap (nothing happened, literally) I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s subscribed thus far. You’ve all made the first month of newsletters and posts more successful than I could have imagined. If you’ve got time, forward this along to a friend and have them subscribe. I’m dedicated to providing an objective recap and synopsis of everything that’s happening in professional golf throughout 2024 and excited to have everyone along for the journey.

DP World Tour
_{DP World Tour 2024 Schedule Format}

The DP World tour didn’t play last week, and doesn’t play this upcoming week. So I’d like to take this chance to outline the 2024 schedule format for those who might not be aware of it!

The DP World Tour is broken up into 3 "phases”.

Phase 1 - The Global Swings

I love this about the European Tour. The first phase of the DP World Tour takes place from late November through August where they do these global “swings” or groups of tournaments around the world. The first swing, the “Opening Swing” has already concluded, and “The International Swing” is about to begin. This will feature events in Dubai, Bahrain, Kenya, South Africa, and more. Then they do “The Asian Swing” which will feature India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China. Then “The European Swing” will visit Belguim, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, and Germany. Finally ,the first phsae concludes with “The Closing Swing” which remains in Europe but plays some signature events like the Genesis Scottish Open, Czech Masters, and more.

If you like course architecture, some of the best European Tour viewing is during these global swings!

Phase 2 - The Back Nine

This is generally when the strongest and most historic DP World Tour events are played. This phase features the European Masters, Irish Open, Alfred Dunhill Links, Spanish Open, and more. These events offer elevated ranking points and higher purses. This phase runs from September through October and these events are opened up to the top 15 non-members from the PGA Tour. Top 70 after this phase head to Phase 3.

Phase 3 - DP World Tour Playoffs

This one’s self explanatory. The season’s final two events in Dubai. Fantastic courses as well! Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates make for great viewing!

LIV Golf
_{Negotiations continue with PGA Tour in a quiet week for LIV.}

An uncharacteristically quiet week for LIV Golf. The only news we heard was that negotiations towards an investment in PGA Tour Enterprises remain “active and productive”. The memo from Jay Monahan suggests that PIF, the DP World Tour, and Strategic Sports Group (SSG) will be minority investors in the new for-profit branch of the PGA Tour.

What’s next for LIV Golf?

We’re likely to hear some more about the upcoming season as some players have media events scheduled for later this week! They’ve still got a handful of roster spots left to fill and I can’t imagine that will be kept under wraps much longer.

PGA TOUR
_{Ongoing Negotiations with PIF, SSG, and DP World Tour}

Not a ton to add here in addition to what we talked about in the LIV Golf section as the PGA Tour remained on holiday this week. However, the PGA Tour’s break is officially over as they kick-off the 2024 season this week in Kapalua. They’ve got a full slate in January with this weeks Sentry, followed by The Sony Open, The American Express, and finally the Farmers Insurance Open.

What’s next on the PGA Tour?

The season is finally back! This week’s is The Sentry at the beautiful Plantation Course at Kapalua. Formerly this was the Tournament of Champions however they now invite additional players and this year’s field is up to 59 players. Last year’s champion Jon Rahm won’t be in the field as he’s joining LIV Golf for the 2024 season, but the field is still quite strong. Personally I’m excited to see how Tommy Fleetwood does, I’d be shocked to see him get through another year without a win.