Guy Kinnings, the CEO of the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe, dives into the thrilling evolution of professional golf. He discusses the transformative impact of the Ryder Cup in New York and the global reach of the DP World Tour. With players like Rory McIlroy leading visibility, Kinnings emphasizes how financial dynamics shape talent retention and the sport's future. He also highlights innovative collaborations and the growing significance of golf in emerging markets, showcasing a new era in the sport.
01:22:39
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
DP World Tour's Global Evolution
The DP World Tour has evolved into a truly global golf tour, playing in 26 countries yearly across multiple continents.
It includes four tours plus the Ryder Cup, supporting a broad international player base beyond just Europe.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rory McIlroy's Memorable Masters Win
Rory McIlroy's Masters win included stunning shots and emotional moments that captivated fans.
His human and fallible style draws viewers and inspires broader interest in golf.
insights INSIGHT
Tiger Woods' Transformative Impact
Tiger Woods transformed golf through unprecedented global reach, demographics, and excitement.
His dominance and charisma created historic commercial value and interest in the sport worldwide.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Today we’re delighted to welcome Guy Kinnings to the show. Guy is the CEO of European (DP World) Tour and Ryder Cup Europe. Our first venture into golf and it couldn’t be better timed. An Incredible Rory McIlroy Masters win to kick off the season followed by a summer of elite culminating in the Ryder Cup in New York in September.
The business or politics of golf have been hotly debated since the inception of Saudi backed LIV Golf a few years ago. Big cheques attracting some of the world’s top players put huge pressure on the DP World Tour & PGA Tour to retain talent and continue to create elite sporting events. As Guy talks through today, this should be viewed as a development of the game; an opportunity to build on the successes of what have gone before while elevating the global product of golf.
Naturally, with responsibility falling on his shoulders (behind the scenes at least) to deliver a rare Ryder Cup away win, there is plenty of conversation around what makes one of the most special events in sport tick. In a sport of genuine global icons and unparalleled moments of drama, we take a look at how the game develops behind the glamour of the 18th green.
On today’s show we discuss:
What is the DP World Tour:
There are many tours and competitions taking place around the world. What is the DP World Tour responsible for?
Who gets to play on the Tour? How the reference to ‘European’ is a misnomer; this is a sporting organisation with global reach.
The finances associated with golf. From major sponsorship and broadcast deals to the cost of creating elite sporting events.
With many of the key European players going and playing their golf on the PGA Tour in America, how do they retain value and participation at the top of the DP Tour?
What does the strategic alliance with the PGA Tour look like and how have they been impacted by the arrival of LIV Golf?
Athletes as Icons:
Golf has produced some of sport’s most famous names; the rise of Jack Nicklas, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and now Rory McIlroy.
The Rory McIlory effect: from completing the grand slam winning the Masters to driving the European game forward, how important is individual stardom in the sport?
How the commercial value of talent can drive a tournament forward or undermine its credibility.
Where do the opportunities lie for golfers to really write their name in the history books: a Ryder Cup special!
If golfers were on the stock market, which player would Guy invest in?
The Future of Golf:
The arrival of LIV has brought in private equity investment and a new set of eyeballs. Should this be viewed as an opportunity to grow the game at all levels?
Building value in new markets can create additional opportunities for organisations like the DP World Tour to develop.
How influential is something like the Ryder Cup in shaking off some negative perceptions of the sport?
Is golf genuinely accessible and if not, can more be done to bring the game to areas of the world with the least access?
A huge thank you to our partners RUNNA. Whether you're an existing user or if it's your first time on the app, use the code below for exclusive access:
Business of Sport