PGA Tour, PIF pairings raise eyebrows on DP World Tour this week
The PGA Tour’s strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) continues to raise eyebrows, with several pairings at this week’s DP World Tour event in Abu Dhabi featuring players from both tours.
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is partnered with American Kurt Kitayama, a PGA Tour member who recently played in the Saudi International. Sergio Garcia, another LIV Golf recruit, is paired with European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
The presence of PGA Tour players alongside LIV Golf defectors has sparked criticism, with some questioning the integrity of the DP World Tour. However, DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley defended the pairings, stating that they were made based on world rankings and current form, not affiliations.
