Keith Waters’ appointment marks the start of a dynamic new chapter for golf in the Middle East as the MENA Golf Tour prepares for its highly anticipated return later this year. The former DP World Tour Chief Operating Officer and long-standing Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board member takes on the dual role of Chairman and Commissioner, bringing proven leadership and a track record of driving growth in the sport.
Founded in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour is the only OWGR-recognised tour based in the Middle East, offering valuable pathways for professional golfers from across the region and internationally. Waters, whose four-decade career includes shaping the DP World Tour’s global expansion and playing a key role in launching the OWGR in 2004, is expected to play a pivotal role in the Tour’s evolution and global presence.
“I’m delighted to be involved in the relaunch of the MENA Golf Tour,” said Waters. “This Tour has tremendous potential and serves as a crucial pathway for golfers, not just from the Middle East, but internationally. We have already seen success stories such as Robert MacIntyre, who progressed from the MENA Golf Tour to winning prestigious titles like the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA TOUR and the Genesis Scottish Open on the DP World Tour.”
MacIntyre, currently second on the European Ryder Cup ranking, said: “The MENA Golf Tour opened doors, taught me how to win, and prepared me for the challenges of the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. I’m excited to see it return and give the next generation of players the same opportunities I had.”
Under Waters’ guidance, the Tour will continue to be an eligible OWGR tour, along with enhanced prize money, further raising its competitive appeal. “We’re pleased the MENA Golf Tour will remain an eligible Official World Golf Ranking tour as well as prize money of $100,000 per event,” said Waters. “Each tournament will be contested over 54 holes, featuring a 36-hole cut to the top 60 players and ties, with the winner taking home $18,000.”
The relaunched 2025/2026 MENA Golf Tour season will feature a 12-event schedule, commencing in Portugal. The opening event will follow a Qualifying School in November designed specifically for non-exempt players. Additionally, the MENA Golf Tour is currently in discussions with both the DP World Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour to establish a clear development pathway, with the ambition to provide the leading MENA Golf Tour players with the opportunity to advance directly to the DP World Tour Qualifying School and the HotelPlanner Tour.
For more information or to register your interest in the MENA Golf Tour please visit: www.menagolftour.com
