Matt Fitzpatrick has insisted the PGA Tour “isn’t doing enough to help build up the DP World Tour” while questioning the purpose of the strategic alliance.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour formed the ‘strategic alliance’ back in 2020 with the American-based circuit giving its European counterpart £100m.
The PGA Tour also announced they will give Tour cards to the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai this year and beyond, while co-sanctioned events remain on the schedule.
But despite the initiatives, criticism remains regarding the actual positive effects of the partnership with U.S. Open Champion Fitzpatrick stating the DP World Tour is becoming a ‘feeder’ tour.
“I don’t think the ‘strategic alliance’ is everything it’s made out to be,” said Fitzpatrick.
“My biggest gripe is that the PGA Tour isn’t doing enough to help build up the DP World Tour.
“I don’t feel like there’s been enough help given to Europe. Whether it’s money, whether it’s starts for players, it’s definitely going to become a feeder tour.”
The prize money on offer on the PGA Tour still dwarfs the DP World Tour’s, while the route into the Majors remains more accessible when playing on the American-based circuit.
“People will say I’m one of those who have left the European Tour, but I haven’t,” added Fitzpatrick.
“I still play over there, but the best players are over here (in the US) and I need to compete against them as often as I can.
“I’ll still go back, but I really don’t know how often you can do that when it’s all geared to playing here.”
When asked about the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai receiving PGA Tour cards, the 28-year-old said: “It adds to the message that you’ve got to play over here, and it will just make it more difficult for the European Tour to get strong fields going forward.
“The Tour seemed to be on a good path, then Covid came, and everything that has happened since then has blown it out of the water really.”
Fitzpatrick has played six events in 2023, all of which have been in America. His best finish came at the Sentry Tournament of Champions where he finished T7.
