Donna Benton’s vision and leadership are set to redefine the future of professional golf in the Middle East, spearheading the much-anticipated relaunch of the MENA Golf Tour. The revival comes with bold investment and strategic innovation, led by Benton — the founder of global lifestyle platform the Entertainer and investor in the progressive Sunset Hospitality Group. As the principal backer of the region’s only Official World Golf Ranking–accredited development circuit, Benton is leveraging her proven business acumen to elevate the Tour’s profile and establish it as a premier launchpad for rising golf talent.
Having revolutionised lifestyle savings across the GCC with the Entertainer app, Benton is now using her entrepreneurial expertise to reimagine the MENA Golf Tour. The revamped circuit introduces increased prize purses, innovative player-first policies — including 48-hour payment of winnings — and simplified progression pathways to elite international tours, reinforcing its focus on championing golfers’ success.
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities for people to achieve their dreams, and that’s exactly what the MENA Golf Tour is designed to do,” said Benton, who is no stranger to the world of golf and currently supports DP World Tour player Richard Mansell through sponsorship via the Entertainer. “Young golfers deserve fair rewards, rapid payouts, and a Tour that genuinely prioritises their success. Coupled with the efficiency and strategic capability of the Middle East as a region, the foundation is in place to build something truly extraordinary.”
The Tour’s importance in nurturing emerging professionals was highlighted this weekend by South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, a former MENA Golf Tour player, who secured his second OMEGA European Masters title and his fifth career victory on the DP World Tour.
Keith Waters, the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioner of the MENA Golf Tour, hailed Lawrence’s success as a testament to the platform’s role in shaping world-class talent.
“Thriston is the perfect example of what the MENA Golf Tour can do for aspiring professionals,” said Waters, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at the DP World Tour. “He gained valuable experience here, took that onto the DP World Tour, and is now a multiple winner at the very highest level. Our aim is to create more success stories like his.”
The relaunch will introduce a dynamic 12-event schedule later this year, including a Qualifying School and tournaments hosted across the Middle East and Europe. Players will gain direct access to progression routes such as the HotelPlanner Tour and the DP World Tour Qualifying School, reinforcing the Tour’s role as a vital gateway within the global professional golf structure.
“The Entertainer proved that when you champion accessibility and deliver value, the entire ecosystem thrives,” said Benton. “The same principle applies here: put players first, pay them promptly, give them the platform to shine – and watch as the sport flourishes throughout this region.”
Further details on tournament venues, dates, and registration requirements will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information or to register your interest in the MENA Golf Tour, please visit: www.menagolftour.com
