Former DP World Tour Chief to Lead MENA Golf Tour Relaunch

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The MENA Golf Tour is making a highly anticipated return later this year, with Keith Waters, former DP World Tour Chief Operating Officer and member of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, appointed as Chairman and Commissioner. Waters’ vast experience and leadership are expected to elevate the Tour’s profile and impact.

Founded in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour is the only OWGR-recognized golf circuit based in the Middle East. It has played a key role in giving professional golfers from the region and around the world a platform to develop their careers. Waters, who helped establish the OWGR in 2004 and spent more than 40 years shaping the DP World Tour, is set to bring a new era of growth and opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the MENA Golf Tour’s relaunch,” Waters said. “This Tour has enormous potential and provides a vital pathway for golfers from the Middle East and beyond. Players like Robert MacIntyre, who started on this Tour and went on to win titles on the PGA and DP World Tours, show what’s possible.”

MacIntyre, currently second on the European Ryder Cup rankings, added: “The MENA Golf Tour opened doors for me, taught me how to win, and prepared me for the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. I’m excited to see it return and give new players the same opportunities I had.”

Under Waters’ leadership, the Tour will remain an OWGR-eligible circuit and will also offer enhanced prize money. Each event will feature 54 holes with a 36-hole cut, awarding $18,000 to the winner and $100,000 total prize money per tournament.

The 2025/2026 season will include 12 events, kicking off in Portugal after a November Qualifying School for non-exempt players. The Tour is also in talks with the DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour to create a clear development pathway, allowing top MENA Golf Tour players to advance to higher-level competitions.