DP World Tour chiefs have moved to downplay fears they could be snubbed when Rory McIlroy cancels his schedule next year.
The world number three said he plans to significantly reduce the number of global tournaments he plays in 2024 from 27 to 20 in 2025.
Much of the impact will be felt on the PGA Tour, where McIlroy has earmarked four events he may skip as he narrows his focus.
But it has also raised questions about whether he will maintain his commitment to the DP World Tour, where he will play his seventh event of the season this week at the Tour Championship in Dubai.
The Northern Irishman has played in 19 tournaments over the past three seasons (excluding majors and the Olympics), bringing star quality to the tour, but tour chief executive Guy Kinnings insists Said he was “not worried” about any upcoming changes.
DP World Tour chiefs play down fears they could be snubbed by Rory McIlroy
Tour CEO Guy Kinnings (right) says he's “not concerned” about McIlroy's planned schedule cuts
He said: “I speak to him regularly because he is so important to us. I won't speak for him on his schedule but I'm not worried about him supporting us as much as he does. He decides for himself The actual schedule, but he’s been an incredible supporter of ours.
“I don’t know anything about the numbers – I just know that I believe he will support the tour as always.”
Kinnings also agreed with McIlroy that the election of Donald Trump as US president would help unify the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which funds the LIV Tour. Pave the way.
Trump recently said he could end a 17-month deadlock in merger talks in 15 minutes, which could include allaying the Justice Department's antitrust concerns.
Kinnings said: “There's someone who clearly loves the sport and I think that's got to be a good thing. There's also someone who says he believes he can help in the process and I'm very supportive of people who want to help in the process. Open. We have to say this is a very good thing.
