Former Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters, now competing in the LIV Golf League, has expressed a sense of longing for his time on the DP World Tour. As he prepares to tee off at the Dubai Desert Classic, one of six LIV players in the field, Pieters opened up about his nostalgia for the European circuit and the lifestyle it offered.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Pieters shared, “I have missed those (DP World Tour events) a little bit. I miss just playing in Europe. You go to the cool towns like Paris, London and places like that.
I’ve never been a fan of playing in America because, when your round is finished, what do you do? To me, it’s very different when you play in Prague, or Madrid, or wherever. That’s what I love about my job, so I’ve missed that.”
This sentiment underscores Pieters’ deep appreciation for the unique charm of European tournaments, which combine world-class competition with vibrant cultural experiences. Although his move to LIV Golf has opened new doors in his career, it has also meant spending less time on the DP World Tour, a circuit he holds in high regard.
Finding Balance Between LIV Golf and European Roots
Despite the allure of LIV Golf, Pieters remains committed to maintaining ties with the DP World Tour. He still has one year of exemption left, allowing him the opportunity to participate in select events.
“I still have one year of my exemption (on the DP World Tour) left, and if I want to play my way into form and get some reps in, then my only thought was how do I get into Dubai?” he explained.
Pieters’ schedule this year reflects his desire to reconnect with European golf. “I’m playing two weeks in a row in Dubai, which has great weather and competition.
I get to play in Belgium and, when the LIV season is over, I hopefully get to play Wentworth and those tournaments,” he noted. The opportunity to compete in five or six European events is a prospect he is eagerly anticipating.
A Nostalgic Look Back at the DP World Tour
Pieters’ comments highlight the distinct appeal of the DP World Tour. “You go to the cool towns like Paris, London and places like that,” he said, contrasting this with his less enthusiastic view of competing in the United States. For Pieters, the allure of Europe’s iconic cities and the variety of its venues is unmatched.
While he stirred some debate last year by stating that the standard of play in the LIV Golf League was “10 times better” than that of the DP World Tour, Pieters’ affection for the latter remains evident. His passion for European golf is as much about the lifestyle as it is about the competition.
Looking Ahead
As Pieters prepares for the Dubai Desert Classic, he is focused on balancing his commitments to LIV Golf with his enduring love for European tournaments.
His presence in Dubai signals a renewed effort to reconnect with the circuit that played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
With his sights set on a productive year, Pieters aims to find harmony between the competitive demands of LIV Golf and the cultural richness of the DP World Tour.
For fans, his return to European events offers an exciting opportunity to see him rekindle his connection with the places and tournaments he holds dear.
