The Official World Golf Ranking has recently announced that it will begin awarding ranking points to the Clutch Pro Tour, which consists of events with just 54 holes. The Clutch Pro Tour is considered an official feeder tour to the Challenge Tour and DP World Tour, and has been included in the OWGR system after a 17-month application process. Starting from April 28, the Clutch Pro Tour will be able to award ranking points to players participating in its events.
Each Clutch Pro Tour event consists of three 18-hole rounds, with a 36-hole cut. The tour’s 2024 qualifying series took place in the United Arab Emirates, and for the 2025 season, there will be a new open qualifying school. Most events are held in the south and southeast of England, with some tournaments also taking place in Northern Ireland and Wales. OWGR chairman Peter Dawson expressed that the inclusion of the Clutch Pro Tour aligns with the organization’s Eligibility and Format Criteria, providing opportunities for players to progress to higher levels of professional golf.
Dawson sees the inclusion of the Clutch Pro Tour as a significant milestone for the sport of golf, especially in the United Kingdom. The tour has played a pivotal role in providing playing opportunities and pathways for players to advance to the Challenge Tour and DP World Tour. With over £1.8m in prize money for its 2024 schedule across the UK, the Clutch Pro Tour has established itself as a key player in the development of regional golf talent.
The Clutch Pro Tour, previously known as the Mizuno Next Gen Series, was created in 2019 to fill the void left by the closure of the EuroPro Tour in 2022. In December 2022, it was announced that the Clutch Pro Tour and the Tartan Pro Tour would become official feeder tours to the Challenge Tour, with the top players on the Clutch Order of Merit moving up to the European golfing stages. The partnership with Mizuno remains in place for the 2024 season, solidifying the tour’s standing as a leading golf event provider in the UK.
While the Clutch Pro Tour has received approval from the OWGR to award ranking points, the LIV Golf League’s application was denied earlier this year. The league’s 14-tournament series of 54-hole events did not meet the criteria due to mainly invitation-based entry and the absence of a cut in their events. This decision highlights the importance of meeting specific criteria set by the OWGR for tours to be eligible for ranking points.
As the Clutch Pro Tour continues to evolve and grow, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of golf in the United Kingdom and beyond. By providing opportunities for players to compete and progress through the professional ranks, the tour is contributing to the development of golf talent and ensuring a sustainable pathway for aspiring golfers to reach the highest levels of the sport. With the support of sponsors like Mizuno and a commitment to excellence, the Clutch Pro Tour is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of golf.
