DP World Tour rocked as Keith Pelley quits

Keith Pelley has left the DP World Tour

The DP World Tour has confirmed that Keith Pelley is to leave his position as Chief Executive to return to his native Canada.

Pelley has agreed to become the new CEO and President of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns multiple Toronto-based sports franchises. They include NFL’s Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and MLS side Toronto FC.

Guy Kinnings will take over from Pelley on April 2, 2024, stepping up from his current role as Deputy CEO and Executive Director of the Ryder Cup.

Pelley, ranked 21st in our list of the most influential people in golf, said: “It has been an incredible honor to be the Chief Executive of this wonderful institution for the past eight and a half years.

“When I came over from Canada back in 2015, I set out to create a culture of innovation and to grow our prize funds and our Tour for our members by ensuring that we appealed to new, younger and more diverse audiences.

“We have done that and so much more because our players, staff, partners, broadcasters and fans have all fundamentally bought into that philosophy that we are in the entertainment industry. I would therefore like to thank everyone for their support and commitment to innovation and evolution in our sport.

“This role with MLSE, and the chance to be involved with my hometown sports teams in Toronto, was the one opportunity that I simply could not resist.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do at some point in my career and I’m very grateful to be given that chance.

“Similarly, I’m eternally grateful for the incredible experiences my family and I have had with the Tour over the last eight and a half years.

“I am also fortunate to be able to pass the baton on to someone immensely experienced and respected in Guy who I have no doubt will ensure the Tour continues to prosper for many years to come.”

The 60-year-old’s departure comes less than 24 hours after the R&A announced that CEO Martin Slumbers will be leaving before the end of 2024.

Pelley joined the DP World Tour in August 2015, having previously been President of Rogers Media in Canada. He helped pioneer the launch of the Rolex Series in 2017, as well as several innovative formats such as GolfSixes, the Shot Clock Masters, and mixed events with the LET and LPGA.

He also played a key role in the birth of the G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour, which runs alongside the main calendar.

His shock exit is an untimely one for the DP World Tour, who are currently locked in talks with the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund to negotiate an agreement that could alter the landscape of professional golf.

Pelley was seen as a key mediator in those discussions and a close confidante of PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan, whose own position remains shrouded in uncertainty.

In 2022, Pelley agreed to a 13-year strategic alliance with the PGA Tour that included the co-sanctioning of the Genesis Scottish Open, Barbasol Championship and Barracuda Championship.

He faced criticism for agreeing to award PGA Tour cards to the top 10 finishers on the Race to Dubai, though he vehemently denied accusations that the circuit has become a feeder tour in an exclusive interview with Today’s Golfer last month.

“I’ve spoken many times about this misconception,” said Pelley. “What we’ve done is formalize something that has occurred for many years and which numerous players during those years have taken full advantage of.

“We’re allowing players to become dual members, play a global schedule, and maximize their earning potential by playing on both Tours. What we are also doing is improving our product and making it more attractive.

“The PGA Tour has made a significant commitment to our Tour, both financially and in other areas that have benefitted our members, from the aforementioned dual membership opportunities and playing opportunities in events such as the Barbasol and Barracuda Championships, to working closely with our own team to forge new commercial partnerships. So, there have been considerable benefits for members of both Tours. We will continue to work together in the months and years ahead.”

The responsibility of keeping members, sponsors and fans happy now rests with Kinnings, who was seen as the outstanding candidate to replace Pelley having served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group since 2018. He also has a wealth of experience across all aspects of golf, including in his previous role as Global Head of IMG’s Golf Division.

Kinnings said: “It has been a privilege to work closely with Keith since I joined the Tour in 2018. He set out to transform the European Tour Group, and unquestionably he has done that.
 
“It will be a huge honor to take on this role in April and I am immensely proud to have been given this responsibility. I will continue to work closely with Keith, Eric [Nicoli, Chairman] and the Board over the next three months to ensure a seamless transition.
 
“I look forward to working with our players, staff and partners in the game, as well as our very impressive Executive Leadership and Senior Management Teams, to continue to build upon everything our Tour has achieved in recent years.”

The DP World Tour season resumes this week at the Dubai Invitational.

About the author

Michael Catling – Features Editor

Michael Catling is an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with the game’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Martin Slumbers and Justin Thomas.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on X.