The European Tour, now branded as the DP World Tour, is the leading men's professional golf circuit in Europe, operating from its headquarters at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England. Founded by the British PGA in 1972 (and becoming an independent organisation in 1984), it oversees three tours: the main tour, the Senior Tour for players over 50, and the developmental Challenge Tour. While most events are held in Western Europe, the tour has expanded internationally since the 1980s, so that by 2015 a majority of its ranking events were held outside Europe, including majors and World Golf Championship events. The organisation is player-controlled, run by a board of 12 elected professionals—currently chaired by Eric Nicoli (since 2023)—and a tournament committee of 14 members led by David Howell. As the lead partner in Ryder Cup Europe, it holds a 60% stake in operating the famous Ryder Cup against the USA. Golf's professional roots trace back to Scottish clubmakers and greenkeepers, with the first stroke-play tournament being The Open in 1860, but the modern tour only took shape as television-driven prize money grew after World War II.