"Everyone has the right attitude"- DP World Tour CEO hopeful about PGA x LIV Golf merger

The strategic alliance between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour makes the latter a direct stakeholder in the outcome of the negotiations between the American circuit and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Not surprisingly, its executives are closely following the process.

DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings recently spoke about the merger agreement in an interview with Sky Sports. Kinnings said he was "very hopeful" about the current state of negotiations.

Guy Kinnings and Padraig Harrington (Image via Getty).

This was part of what Guy Kinnings said (via Golf Monthly):

"I'm very hopeful. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the game to come together and become more harmonious and global. There's an ongoing process within the US between the PGA Tour and Public Investment Fund, but in the room those discussions are ourselves, DP World Tour and the Strategic Sports Group."

He added:

"I think everyone has the right attitude going into that and doing the right thing for the game and taking it forward. I see it as an opportunity and, hopefully, it will be what's good for players, fans and everyone else."

Representatives from the PGA Tour and PIF met in New York two weeks ago to advance negotiations. Bloomberg reported days later that the talks were close to a final agreement, citing sources close to the matter.

The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour have had a strategic alliance for several years, which includes various forms of cooperation as well as the awarding of American Tour cards to the top 10 players on the European Tour's final season list.

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What else did the DP World Tour CEO talk about?

Guy Kinnings touched on several important issues during his interview. One of the most talked about was the integration of LIV Golf European players into the Ryder Cup, a sensitive issue at the moment with several top players in danger of not being eligible.

In this regard, the DP World Tour CEO insisted that it is important that the players abide by the rules of the circuit. To that end, he did not rule out the possibility of appealing the sanctions imposed, which would allow them to continue playing tournaments while their case is being resolved.

"That's what Jon (Rahm), Tyrrell (Hatton) and Adrian (Meronk) have done," he said.

The first rule that players must follow to be considered for the European team for the Ryder Cup is that they must be members of the European Tour. They must also play at least four tournaments a year, among other rules.

Kinnings also referred to American players who have participated in European Tour events after the end of the PGA Tour season. He assured that the intention is to encourage an increase in their number in the future.