Proposed World Tour Issues Statement: "It is our intention to work with, rather than challenge, existing tours for the betterment of golf as a sport"

The proposed world tour and franchise concept I reported yesterday issued a statement to select media outlets clarifying elements related to my exclusive story, including a third rebranding to Premier Golf League and The League (after World Golf Series and Tour de Force).

The statement issued suggests plans have shifted back to an original 18 event schedule, though that also could be a bargaining tool. (I reported a reduction from this number to 10 based on three sources). After all, an 18-event tour attempting to coexist with already bloated existing schedules and tour release rules, seems impossible:

“There has been significant media speculation relating to our plans to launch The League, a new professional golf format that will be comprised of 18 events per season. Some of that speculation, including details of the proposed format and our financial backers, is inaccurate. While we do not wish to comment further at this time, we would like to say that it is our intention to work with, rather than challenge, existing tours for the betterment of golf as a sport, pastime and media property, and we have partnered with the Raine Group to help make this vision a reality. We appreciate the interest and look forward to providing everyone with further details.”

The domain used by the group’s communications team, PremierGolfLeague.com, is not yet displaying a web page. However domain registration for the site confirms the group as the Mayen Limited, the same backers whose vision was the basis of my reporting for the original item.

The principals owners are listed as Michael Giffin and Andrew Gardiner.

While the statement refers to Raine Group as the primary financing partner, time will tell who is backing and why.

Of more immediate interest, the above statement confirms the group’s efforts at starting a new series of world events. They have raised fascinating questions with this statement, including how far along they are in discussions with players.

Also, as the statement suggests, there is a suggestion of wanting to work with other tours. Based on Keith Pelley’s comments today, the European Tour does not sound like an ally at present. The PGA Tour has declined to comment.