European Tour upping the stakes at the end of the Season
The European Tour made a big announcement this week. Their end of year events will pay out a lot more money, and they will now have the largest winning purse of any event.
If anyone in the European Tour takes home a win at the end of 2019, they’re going to get a lot more than they did in 2018. Whoever wins the end of season DP World Tour Championships in Dubai is going to take home a record amount of 3 million dollars. Unfortunately for Danny Willett, he won a year early, “only” taking home around 1.3 million in 2018.
This is quite the increase over the previous high available in any tournament. The U.S. Open had been the highest, with the winner taking home 2.16 million dollars.
More from Pro Golf Now
- Golf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning deal
- Fantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player Selections
- Brutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024
- Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at Concession
- Fantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament
The two tournaments running up to this saw increases in the amount of prize money available as well. The first two Rolex series events go their own bumps in winnings, with the Turkish Airlines winner taking 1.55 million, and the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa winner earning 1.94 million dollars.
The increase in winnings isn’t the only thing that is changing. The amount of points available in the Race to Dubai standings will increase as well, leading to an easier path to the number one ranking on the European Tour. Previously, the points available to the field were 7000 in Turkey, 7500 in South Africa, and 8000 in Dubai. This has gone up to 9000 in Turkey, 10000 in South Africa, and an incredible 12000 in Dubai.
Both of these increased incentives should help attract more of the worlds top players to the events. With nearly 6.5 million dollars to win over three events, and a boatload of points, the incentives for taking part in these three events are astounding.
There are more changes as well as the ones to just those three events. The prize pool at the end of the year is going to be tougher to be a part of. Previously, the top ten in the standings at the end of the year would get a piece of the bonus pool. Now, that number has been halved, and only the top five will get a slice of the bonus.
Making the field even more competitive at the top level, they are taking a page out of the FedEx Cup. The field will decrease from 70 to 50 players during the three events, increasing the stakes both to make it to the next round, and to try and earn those points and extra money available.
Next. Tiger Woods: Temper your expectations at the Genesis Open. dark
For many, the European Tour gets pushed aside as watching the PGA takes precedent. With the changes being made, the European Tour is coming out swinging and increasing their visibility.