PGA EuroPro Tour to fold after more than two decades
The PGA EuroPro Tour has announced that after 20 years of developing many of Europe’s best professional golfers, 2022 will be its final ever season.
Having first opened its doors for professional golfers back in 2002, CEO Daniel Godding has now confirmed that “the economic landscape of increasing costs and the changing habits of the worldwide audience means it has become clear that unfortunately there is no longer the support nor demand in the market to operate the PGA EuroPro Tour”
In the statement, released on the EuroPro’s website, Godding added: “With many major, European and PGA Tour wins, and Ryder Cup appearances by previous members, the tour has proudly created a legacy and has driven forward the brand and image of European golf.
“The purpose of the PGA EuroPro was to develop the very best talent in the sport and prepare them for the next stage in their careers. As a direct affiliate to the European Tour, the PGA EuroPro offered five Challenge Tour cards for the following season and has proudly promoted over 100 golfers to the next level.
“The PGA EuroPro Tour has provided a world class service to its members offering a stepping stone and media experience like no other tour. But in recent times, the sports environment has evolved drastically, and it has proven difficult for the PGA EuroPro Tour to operate. We are sad to bring an era to its end, but we are delighted that we have helped so many realise their dreams.
“We wish everyone the best of success in the years to come and we’re excited to see where our past and current members can take their games. We’d like to use this opportunity to thank all our staff and PGA Members, all our partners from the 20 years who have made it possible and every golf club and volunteer who has been so hospitable when the PGA EuroPro Tour has come to town.”
Founded by Matchroom Sports’ Barry Hearn, the PGA EuroPro Tour has paved the way for many of the game’s biggest names, including major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, as well as Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Ross Fisher.
“Sadly, in these changing times for professional golf support for Europes’ biggest development tour has not been sufficient to justify its continuation,” Hearn said.
The EuroPro Tour’s final event will be the Matchroom Sport Tour Championship at Lough Erne on October 19, where the top five at the end of the event will be promoted to the Challenge Tour for the 2023 season.
George Cooper
A golf fanatic his entire life, George Cooper is NCG's man for all goings-on at the top level of the game, whether it's the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA or LIV Golf. He also looks after NCG's Twitter and Facebook accounts. George is a member of Woburn, but is not friends with Ian Poulter.
