Padraig Harrington issues warning to European pros chasing PGA Tour dream

Padraig Harrington has issued a warning to young DP World Tour pros chasing the PGA Tour dream.

03 Aug 2023

Padraig Harrington issues warning to European pros chasing PGA Tour dream

Padraig Harrington has issued a warning to young DP World Tour pros, insisting it may not be wise for the top-10 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings to take up full PGA Tour cards.

Harrington, who endured heartbreak at the Senior Open last week, has revealed he is concerned about the future of the European-based circuit in light of the 6 June framework agreement announcement.

Thus far, the sole focus during negotiations with Saudi Arabia's PIF appears to be what future the PGA Tour will have and not what will become of the Old World circuit.

Before all hell broke loose in the world of men's professional golf, the DP World Tour opted to strengthen their ties with the PGA Tour.

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A strategic alliance had already been announced years earlier, but a revamped agreement was confirmed last June.

That will run through to 2035 and will see the PGA Tour increase its ownership stake in European Tour Productions from 15 per cent to 40.

As part of the 13-year operational partnership, there is also the added bonus for DP World Tour members getting a direct route to the PGA Tour.

That's because the top 10 finishers not already exempt on the season-ending Race to Dubai Rankings will receive PGA Tour cards.

Harrington told Mirror Sport he believes it can get boring seeing the top players compete against each other every week.

He would like to see young talent stay put and big players 'turning up in Europe like back in the day'.

Then there would be an added buzz when the majors roll around, he said.

Harrington added:

"I'd be very afraid for the careers of the players who take up their [PGA Tour] card. Ten players get the U.S. card this year and a lot of them will go when they are just starting to ramp up their own careers, and all of sudden they are being thrown in with a lot of mature players at their peak.

"You are going to unfamiliar golf courses, unfamiliar territory and we have seen a lot of good players take a big step back by going a little too early in the States.

"I'm a great believer in being a big fish in a small pond, and developing before you jump into that big pond."

Harrington's comments come as a memo written by DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley to tour players was leaked.

The memo outlined how the 2024 season will feature an overall record prize fund of $148.5m.

Steps are also being made to allow LIV Golf players to return and how those that 'remained loyal' will be compensated.