The adjusted PGA Tour schedule which rescheduled the dates of the PGA Championship, the US Open and the Masters has thrown the European Tour’s plans, including Africa’s Major, up in the air.
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Local golf fans were quick to point out that the new Masters date clashes with the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City – a key event on the European Tour calendar as part of the Rolex Series finals.
‘There is no question that the date brings complications for us,’ Pelley said about the new Masters date.
‘But we got behind the collective will of the group to stage it then because it is the right thing to do for global golf.’
Pelley admits that the restart of the European Tour season could bring a number of financial and logistical changes in order to follow the strict health measures set out by governments across the world.
‘Many of the things you have become accustomed to, such as top-class players’ lounges or courtesy car services will most likely assume a different appearance, if indeed they are present at all. Prize funds will also most likely be different.
‘We are doing everything we possibly can to come through this, but be prepared that the 2021 schedule may look profoundly different to the 2019 or the 2018 schedule,’ added Pelley.
Part of the short-term outlook could feature a few back-to-back events in the UK, but with a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for players from abroad being ‘in play’ prior to the competitions to complete self-isolation.
