European Tour reduces Rolex Series events in 2021 schedule

The European Tour announced a 2021 schedule of at least 42 events in 24 countries, with a reduction in Rolex Series events. Those that remain in the lucrative series will have increased prize money.

Some tournaments have not been confirmed, others have been moved around and the tour is keeping part of a “UK Swing” that was effective in creating a bubble environment during the restart from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rolex Series events will be the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Justin Thomas is among those playing), the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, the BMW PGA Championship, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. Prize money will increase by $1 million to $8 million, with Dubai going to $9 million.

Also key to the schedule are 18 events returning in 2021 that were either canceled or postponed this year.

Among the new events are the Tenerife Open and Gran Canaria Open right after the Masters. They will be followed by the Portugal Masters to create an Iberian Swing.