Adam Scott brushes aside PGA Tour/Ryder Cup rumour
Adam Scott has claimed it is 'not the number one priority' for the PGA Tour to eventually buy the Ryder Cup.
Adam Scott says it's not the PGA Tour's number one priority to eventually own the Ryder Cup.
The PGA Tour entered into a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour in November 2020.
Court documents that went public by mistake last July revealed the PGA Tour viewed the European-based circuit as an 'underinvested and borderline distressed asset' before a deal was finalised.
Despite that being the case, a deal was struck that saw the PGA Tour acquire a percentage stake of European Tour Productions, underpin DP World Tour prize purses, co-sanction events and much more.
The strategic alliance was strengthened further in 2022, with the announcement of a 13-year operational joint venture partnership.
One of the most obvious reasons why the PGA Tour would do so, observers claimed, is because it would give them the opportunity to own a piece of the biennial dust-up between the U.S. and Europe.
The Ryder Cup is run by the DP World Tour and PGA of America.
The 2022 agreement saw the PGA Tour take their stake in European Tour Productions from 15% to 40%.
The original court document read: "On the opportunity front, the PGA Tour is now in a position to simplify and streamline the flow of talent through a coordinated global schedule.
"It is also poised to gain ownership of (and the substantial financial upside related to) the European plays of the Ryder Cup – one of the most prestigious and respected events in all of golf.
The aforementioned Scott has claimed buying the Ryder Cup is not the number one priority for the PGA Tour.
Asked by Golfweek before the Presidents Cup if he would like to see the Tour buy it, Scott said: "I don't know, if it improves the Ryder Cup, sure, but it's not really something that I think about.
"I know there are rumours about things like that from a business side of things but it's not something that I think is the No. 1 priority."
Scott is also part of the transaction subcommittee with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy that is negotiating directly with LIV's financiers.
With or without a deal, Scott has predicted that in five years time the men's professional game will be in a good spot.
"I see it being stronger than ever," he added.
"I think whether a deal is done with PIF or not, I see it in a good spot. The market will decide what it wants ultimately.
"The PGA Tour is still, for sure, the strongest platform, has the strongest players, and even with a competitive other tour out there, I still think that will be okay for pro golf.
"I think it's just a time of change and most people don't like that."
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