By Steve Keating
MIAMI (Reuters) – The PGA Tour blew it by refusing to negotiate with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series and therefore find themselves in a difficult spot dealing with “good people” with unlimited money, former U.S. president Donald Trump said on Thursday.
The LIV Series, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is offering up to $250 million in prize money for its eight events, including an eye-popping record $50 million purse this weekend at Trump National Doral Club where the first team champion will be crowned.
But the Saudi money has come under plenty of scrutiny with critics accusing LIV golfers of being little more than well paid mercenaries in a “sportwashing” scheme by a nation trying to improve its reputation over its human rights record.
LIV Golf also spent nearly $1 billion in signing bonuses, according to reports, to lure away some of the PGA Tour’s top names including major winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, sparking a feud over how the sport is run.
“I think that ultimately something gets worked out but the Tour handled it so badly,” Trump told a small group of media and supporters at the conclusion of his Pro Am round on Thursday.
“The people at the top, something should happen with them. They are dealing with very good people with unlimited money.”
Trump boasted that it was LIV that wanted to stage their season-ending extravaganza at his Miami club, adding that the PGA Tour was desperate to get back as well.
BLUE MONSTER
For many years Trump’s Doral layout known as the ‘Blue Monster” had staged a PGA Tour tournament, including one of the prestigious WGC events from 2007 to 2016.
But Trump is currently harbouring a grudge with the PGA of America over the decision to pull the 2022 PGA Championship from his Bedminster property in New Jersey following the Jan. 6 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
“It (Trump National) doesn’t need it because it’s been doing so well, it’s been a great success from day one,” said Trump, who played alongside his son Eric, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Brooks Koepka.
“They (LIV Golf) wanted to be here and the Tour wants to be here as well. The Tour wants to be here badly.
“The Saudis have done a fantastic job. And by the way a lot of other people are coming over, big names.”
LIV Golf will grow from eight to 14 events next year and Trump properties are expected to figure prominently.
Trump Turnberry could be a stop but the former president said the Open wants to return to his Scottish course.
“Everybody wants Turnberry but we are being a little bit careful with Turnberry,” said Trump. “The Open wants to come back to Turnberry.”
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Miami; Editing by Ken Ferris)
