The DP World Tour - formerly known as the European Tour - is the second-most prestigious professional golf circuit in the world. With events spanning five continents and a storied history of producing major champions and Ryder Cup heroes, the DP World Tour offers fans some of the most exciting and diverse golf on the planet. This guide covers everything you need to know about the tour, its format, key events and how to follow the action.
History of the DP World Tour
The European Tour was founded in 1972, with the first official Order of Merit season played that year. For decades, it served as the primary platform for European professional golfers, producing legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie.
In 2022, the tour rebranded as the DP World Tour after securing a landmark title sponsorship deal with the Dubai-based logistics company. The name change reflected the tour's increasingly global schedule and ambitions, while maintaining its European heritage and identity.
The tour's relationship with the PGA Tour has deepened significantly in recent years through a strategic alliance that provides playing opportunities on both circuits and a unified approach to the future of professional golf.
How the DP World Tour Season Works
The DP World Tour season runs from approximately January through to November, with the Race to Dubai serving as the season-long points competition - the European equivalent of the PGA Tour's FedExCup.
Race to Dubai
The Race to Dubai replaced the Order of Merit in 2009 and ranks players based on prize money earned across the season. The top performers in the Race to Dubai standings qualify for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
The Race to Dubai champion is crowned after the final event and receives a substantial bonus. The title carries enormous prestige and is considered one of the highest achievements in European golf.
Rolex Series Events
The Rolex Series represents the elite tier of DP World Tour events, featuring the largest purses and the strongest fields. These events include historic tournaments such as:
- BMW PGA Championship - the tour's flagship event, held at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England
- Irish Open - one of the oldest national opens in golf
- Italian Open - held in Rome, gaining prestige after the city hosted the Ryder Cup in 2023
- DP World Tour Championship - the season finale in Dubai
Co-Sanctioned Events
Several events on the DP World Tour calendar are co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour, meaning they count on both tours' rankings and money lists. The major championships and some World Golf Championship events fall into this category, giving DP World Tour members access to the biggest stages in golf.
Key DP World Tour Events
Beyond the Rolex Series, the schedule features a rich variety of events across the globe:
- Alfred Dunhill Links Championship - played across three iconic Scottish links courses including the Old Course at St Andrews
- Omega European Masters - held at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre course in the Swiss Alps
- Nedbank Golf Challenge - one of several African events that showcase the tour's global reach
- Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - a high-profile event in the Middle East swing that opens the season
The tour typically features 40-45 events across 25+ countries, making it the most geographically diverse professional golf circuit in the world.
Ryder Cup Qualification
The DP World Tour's most important connection to the wider golf world is through the Ryder Cup. The biennial team competition between Europe and the United States is one of the biggest events in all of sport, and the DP World Tour is where European Ryder Cup players earn their places.
Ryder Cup qualification is based on a combination of Race to Dubai standings and world ranking points earned at DP World Tour events. The European captain also receives a number of discretionary picks. Playing well on the DP World Tour throughout the season is the surest path to making the team.
For everything about the upcoming edition, see our Ryder Cup 2026 preview.
How Players Qualify for the DP World Tour
There are several routes to earning a DP World Tour card:
- Qualifying School - a gruelling multi-stage qualification process open to professionals worldwide
- Challenge Tour - the DP World Tour's developmental circuit, with the top finishers on the season-ending rankings earning promotion
- PGA Tour partnership - the strategic alliance provides cross-membership opportunities for top players
- Exemptions - major champions, former Race to Dubai winners and other top performers receive exemptions
DP World Tour vs PGA Tour
While the PGA Tour is generally considered the stronger circuit in terms of field depth and prize money, the DP World Tour offers unique appeal:
| Feature | DP World Tour | PGA Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic reach | 25+ countries, 5 continents | Primarily North America |
| Season-long race | Race to Dubai | FedExCup |
| Course variety | Links, desert, mountain, parkland | Mostly parkland |
| Number of events | ~40-45 | ~45 |
| Ryder Cup link | European team qualification | American team qualification |
Many players hold membership on both tours, competing in the biggest events on each schedule. Stars like Rory McIlroy have maintained dual membership throughout their careers, winning on both sides of the Atlantic.
Notable DP World Tour Alumni
The tour has produced some of the greatest players in golf history:
- Seve Ballesteros - the charismatic Spaniard who won five majors and captivated audiences worldwide
- Nick Faldo - six-time major champion and the most successful European Ryder Cup player
- Bernhard Langer - German legend with two Masters titles and an extraordinary Champions Tour career
- Colin Montgomerie - eight consecutive Order of Merit titles in the 1990s, a record that may never be broken
- Jon Rahm - former world number one and multiple major champion who built his reputation on the European and PGA Tours before joining LIV Golf
How to Follow the DP World Tour Live
With events across multiple time zones, following the DP World Tour can be a challenge - but GolfMode makes it simple. Track live scores, follow your favourite players hole by hole and get notifications for key moments, no matter where in the world the event is being played.
The tour's global schedule means there is almost always golf to follow, from the Middle East swing in January to the season finale in Dubai in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the DP World Tour and the European Tour?
They are the same tour. The European Tour was rebranded as the DP World Tour in 2022 following a title sponsorship agreement. The tour's structure, events and heritage remain the same.
Can DP World Tour players compete on the PGA Tour?
Yes. The strategic alliance between the two tours provides pathways for top DP World Tour performers to earn PGA Tour playing privileges. Many players hold dual membership and compete on both circuits.
How does the DP World Tour relate to the Ryder Cup?
The DP World Tour is the primary qualifying pathway for the European Ryder Cup team. Players earn qualification points through their performances at DP World Tour events, and the European captain selects his team based on these standings plus discretionary picks.
Is the DP World Tour played only in Europe?
No. Despite its European heritage, the DP World Tour has a truly global schedule with events in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia and occasionally the Americas. It is the most geographically diverse professional golf tour in the world.
Track every DP World Tour event live on GolfMode - download free.
Published by GolfMode Editorial. Our content is researched and fact-checked by golf journalists covering professional tours worldwide. Learn about our editorial approach.
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