Saudi-funded golf league gains momentum as stars join project
The Super Golf League offers significant financial incentives to players, and is aiming to compete against the dominant PGA Tour, but has been the subject of controversy due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
A new golf league funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has gained support from some important athletes recently.
English golf star Lee Westwood told Sky Sports yesterday that he has applied for a waiver from the PGA Tour and its European counterpart, the DP World Tour, to play in the first LIV Golf Invitational Series in London in June. Today, Fox Sports reported that promising young Australian golfer Jed Morgan will play in the tournament
Why it matters: The LIV Golf Invitational Series is the first tournament to be held by the Super Golf League. The league is led by LIV Golf Investments, which is funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
The Super Golf League is led by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, and aims to compete with the PGA Tour for the world’s top talent. The PGA Tour is the dominant golf competition in North America. Norman has long been a critic of the PGA Tour over its barring of players from competing in other tournaments, financial transparency and more.
