The controversial new Saudi-backed golf league meant to challenge the PGA’s dominance will play one of its events at the Trump Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey, Mother Jones reports. The LIV Golf International, founded by a Saudi wealth fund controlled by KSA Crown Prince Mohammed Bone Saw has received a justifiably tepid reaction from the pro golf world as it sought to recruit stars for its promotion that turned into a deluge after a deeply nihilistic take from Phil Mickelson.
“We know they killed [Washington Post journalist Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates,” said Mickelson last fall in a statement he later tried to walk back. From there PGA stars rushed to distance themselves from the toxic Saudi regime despite the massive payouts involved. The PGA also warned it would suspend any golfer who participates in the promotion.
So it’s a natural fit for Trump, especially after the PGA declared him persona non grata and pulled the 2022 PGA Championship from Bedminster in the wake of the Capitol riot and his shady alliance with MBS. Also yet another instance of his being rejected by domestic entities and having to turn to corrupt and amoral foreign ones for business revenue. Deutsche Bank should sponsor the event.