European Tour reveals expansive new schedule for 2021

The European Tour has revealed an expansive new schedule for 2021 featuring 18 returning events from 2019, four enhanced Rolex Series events, and a season that will ensure 'Every Week Counts'.

According to the European Tour website, the new schedule in 2021 will feature a minimum of 42 events spanning 24 countries and will run from January through to November. 

The European Tour's new schedule sees 18 tournaments return that had previously been postponed or cancelled in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Four of the biggest events on the European Tour season will revolve around their Rolex Series tournaments. 

These will comprise the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship from January 21 to 24, the Scottish Open from July 8 to 11, the BMW PGA Championship from September 9 to 12, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in November. 

The first three Rolex Series tournaments will receive a $1 million increase to their prize funds, with $3 million being added to the season finale. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2021 EUROPEAN TOUR SEASON

Prize funds are also going to be increased in the UK Swing tournaments, which proved incredibly successful in 2020 as the Tour did everything possible to ensure golf continued with its 'Golf for Good' campaign. 

UK Swing tournament details will be revealed in due course, but the European Tour has confirmed the schedule will see a bonus pool for the UK Swing along with a charity element. 

The British Masters will be hosted by former Masters champion Danny Willett, and the prize fund for that tournament will rise to €2 million from €1.25 million. 

The idea behind the 2021 European Tour schedule is to ensure a limited amount of travelling as possible, with tournaments grouped together geographically. 

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Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “I am incredibly proud to announce our 2021 global schedule today, one that once again sees us journey through continents and across the world.

“With the pursuit of Ryder Cup points beginning again in January for our European members; qualification spots now available for our Rolex Series events; a sustained pursuit of innovation and a continued celebration of our wonderful heritage, it is understandable that our overarching narrative for this season is that: ‘Every Week Counts.’

“There is no question that the challenge of reshaping our 2020 season in many ways informed our approach to 2021. One of the key learnings was to group events together in terms of their geographical location to create a more travel friendly season for our members. That is reflected in numerous concentrations of event locations.

“Another was to continue to enhance our Rolex Series events at strategic points in the global golfing calendar when the European Tour will be the focal point of golf on the world stage. This is one of the many aspects we will continue to develop in our Strategic Alliance discussions with the PGA Tour, following our historic partnership announcement last month.

“Our events in the initial part of the 2021 season will continue to operate under the guidelines of our world-class Health Strategy, which will evolve aligned to the latest medical advice.

“However, with the incredible progress that has been made in recent months in terms of a vaccine, we look forward to hopefully welcoming the gradual return of the fans we’ve so dearly missed, whilst at the same time continuing to entertain viewers at home through our unrivalled World Feed TV output and across our award-winning digital platforms.”