Considering that golf is actually a quiet event, the BMW International Open was relatively noisy on Saturday: Thousands of spectators streamed over the course, thunderous applause erupted again and again, even a birthday serenade for the German Maximilian Kieffer was sung. There is only one topic that hasn’t been heard much: The fact that the DP World Tour, in which the Munich tournament also takes place, is in defensive mode after Saudi Arabia intervened in the Gulf world is hardly discussed through official channels.
On Friday, the Tour of Europe announced sanctions for players on Saudi Arabia’s LIV Tour, which include a three-tournament ban and a £100,000 fine. As one of the few professionals, the Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera willingly comments on the decision in an interview with the SZ. The 37-year-old has received 5.4 million euros in prize money in his career – as much as the winner of the first LIV tournament in London earned in three days. He has been playing golf in Europe for a decade and a half and is considered one of the Tour’s veterans – and someone who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Mr. Lorenzo-Vera, how did you perceive the decision of the DP World Tour on Friday morning?
Mike Lorenzo-Vera: I only found out what the decision was after my lap. I find them very good, really very good. I think they could have done even more. These guys need to learn their lesson. I think their attitude is very selfish. At least now we have these sanctions, which is a good next step, but of course we have to see how it goes.
The few LIV players who spoke after the decision said they would like to continue playing on the DP World Tour…
…yes, and I would like to have ten wives and drive seven Lamborghinis, but I can’t either. You have to make a decision. The LIV Tour didn’t arrive and said they want a nice tour that can run alongside the previous two tours. No, they want to destroy the tour here in Europe and I can’t just accept that.
You’ve been playing professional golf here in Europe for 15 years. How threatening is the current situation from your point of view?
Without this opportunity in my life, which the tour gave me, I could not live such a life. All I can do is play golf – and so does everyone (the LIV players, d. editor.). Ask them if they would have 50 million today without the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour? They can’t do anything other than golf, and that’s perfectly fine, just don’t retire to a place where people want to destroy the tour you started your careers on.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the DP World Tour here in Europe? Is cooperation with the USA perhaps a solution?
Anything that brings more money to the DP World Tour without depriving European players of the chance to play here would be good. But I don’t really believe that will happen.
Why not?
Because having more money and more opportunities in the future sounds a little too good. I can’t really imagine that under the leadership of the PGA Tour. But of course: They are the big tour and we need their support.
