“WE NEED THE GAME TO BE PLAYED IN AS MANY COUNTRIES AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. AND I THINK THAT INCLUDES SAUDI ARABIA.”
– MARTIN SLUMBERS.
What does the head of the R&A do at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, apart from playing in the pro-am with Matthew Southgate?
It’s important to remember the R&A has a pretty close relationship with the DP World Tour. This is a big event for them. So, I’ve spent some time with Keith (Pelley). I’ve seen a number of players. And I’ve caught up with various bits and pieces that are going on. At The Open I don’t get time to do any of that, I’m so busy with the tournament and our sponsors. I just can’t catch up with other issues. So, it’s nice to be here.
Can you give us a flavour of the people you speak to and the things you talk about?
If you look at European golf, everyone involved is here. Two or three of the big sponsors – who work with us as well as the tour – are here. Some of the manufacturers are here. And 50 of the best players are here. So, it’s just an opportunity for me. Golf is a business but it is also relationships. And it’s good to catch up with those in the media. Normally, I see you guys in very staged environments. This week is a bit more relaxed and open.
A few of us had a meeting with Keith Pelley yesterday. It was productive, especially after the tape recorders went off. There was a lot of good give-and-take.
It’s all about relationships like that. Good times can be enjoyed and bad times can be dealt with. My view is that the media must write the stories they write. But I’d much rather they were informed before doing so. I would like to see less ‘click-bait’ stuff. My big beef when I talk to senior sports editors is that women’s golf doesn’t get the coverage it deserves. I
