Monday, September 21, 2009

Tour cut Dubai prize money by 25%

Rory McIlory
Rory McIlory could see a reduction in his prize money

The European Golf Tour has confirmed there will be a 25% reduction in the prize money awarded at the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

There will be the same reduction - from £6.1m to £4.6m - in the Race to Dubai bonus pool on offer to the season's top 15 money-winners.

The bonus pool winner will get £928,000 compared with £773,000 for winning the tournament on 19-22 November.

Following talks last week the decision was made to cut the winnings on offer.

If a player wins both the tournament and the Race to Dubai they will take home £1.7m compared with £2.2m, a similar reduction of 25%.

The move follows discussions in the United Arab Emirates between Tour chief executive George O'Grady and event sponsors Nakheel.

O'Grady said: "The European Tour has offered to reduce the prize money to reflect the current worldwide economic position and we will jointly examine prize money levels in future years in the light of this developing global situation.

"We have been assured that our agreement is proceeding substantially as planned. The Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates looks superb and work is being completed on the public areas, car parks and access roads."

Nakheel Leisure managing director Hamza Mustafa said: "Nakheel is committed to The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship.

"The prize funds for both competitions are significant amounts that are worthy of the season-ending tournament and world-class field that will be competing, yet reflective of a new economic climate."

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