DP World Executive Calls for Resolution Among Leagues: 'Sensibility Will Prevail'

An executive with DP World, the sponsor of what used to be called the European Tour, said a peaceful resolution to the dispute between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the LIV Golf League would be best for all.

Danny van Otterdijk, the chief communications officer for DP World, told Golf Digest Middle East: “Our friends at LIV Golf, we have great contact with them as the game grows in the region.

"All that needs to get sorted out in the coming months and we will leave that to the governing bodies to sort it out. But we have a great relationship with our friends at LIV Golf and we are continually talking to them. We do think it will be sorted out."

DP World became the title sponsor of the European Tour in 2021 before the launch of LIV Golf, which has been involved in litigation with both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.

Last week in London, 13 LIV golfers had their complaint against the DP World Tour heard in a week-long arbitration, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

"I personally think that what LIV Golf has done is bring the game of golf back to the conversation," van Otterdijk said. "More people are now asking: 'What is golf all about? What is this new different tour platform doing to do?'

"Some like it, some do not, and that is fine, but at least it has people talking about golf again. We think that, like the game of cricket (which incorporated world leagues) and what other sporting bodies have done, sensibility will prevail and people will talk, and integrating the schedules will prevail. That is only good for the game of golf."

The LIV Golf League begins its 2023 schedule next week at an event in Mexico that begins on Feb. 24.