Majed Al Sorour, CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation, attempted to rescind comments he made to The New Yorker in which he suggested the federation would create its own major championships if LIV Golfers are not allowed to participate in the four currently running ones.
In a story that was Published on the New Yorker website this weekSorour claimed that the four traditional majors — Masters, PGA Championships, U.S Open and Open Championship — were backing the PGA Tour against the Saudi-financed LIV Golf Circuit.
More than 30 players have been suspended by the PGA Tour for participating in LIV Golf events that were not conflicting with event releases. LIV Golf filed a federal antitrust suit against the PGA Tour. LIV Golf countersued LIV Golf for interfering in its contracts with players.
For now, majors are siding alongside the [PGA]Sorour said that Tour is a reason for me to quit, Sorour told The New Yorker. If the majors decide that our players will not play? I will celebrate. I will create my majors for my players. I believe that all tours are run by men who dont understand business.
Sorour posted a statement to Golf Saudis Twitter account Thursday saying that the New Yorker story wrongfully stated and misrepresented my views.
Sorour wrote, I had a casual discussion with a New Yorker journalist at LIV’s Boston event a couple of weeks ago, during the which I expressed my frustration over the unfortunate blackballing LIV golf players by the PGA Tour. I have the greatest respect for the Majors, tournaments which stand alone and are independent from LIV when it comes to the Majors. The Majors are about history and heritage. They are also about honor and true competition.
LIV Golf players were allowed to compete in the four majors of this season, provided they had exemptions or were otherwise eligible. Official World Golf Ranking points werent awarded to players for their performance in LIV Golf’s first seven events. Many players who don’t have exemptions may be in danger of missing the majors next years.
LIV Golf applied for recognition by OWGR board. The board has stated that it is still considering the matter. LIV Golf has formed a strategic alliance to the lesser-known MENA Tour in an effort to get its players world-ranking points sooner.
Sorour stated in the statement that The majors are indeed a great platform where LIV golfers as well as other tour golfers can compete As LIV Board member and managing Director, I am here for the LIV golf Investment Chairman and boards strategic direction in building a team and growing the game. This is my only interest.
Sorour described how six-time majors were featured in the same New Yorker story. Phil MickelsonMany golfers were shocked bys comments about Saudi Arabias history with human rights violations.
Mickelson stated that they were scary motherf—ers to get into contact with, and he shared this excerpt from his book, Phil: The Roaring (and Unauthorized!)! Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar, on the Fire Pit Collective website, February.
… They killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal]Khashoggi and have had a terrible record on human rights, Mickelson said, in an interview Shipnuck stated took place in November. They execute gay people over there. Considering all this, why would you even consider it? Because this is a rare opportunity to reshape how PGA Tour operates.
Sorour stated to the New Yorker that We dont murder gays. Ill just tell it that.
Sorour claimed that Mickelsons remarks were made public after he called Yasir El-Rumayyan who is the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This fund finances LIV Golf.
I called the boss, and he said, Everyones leaving. Are you willing to do it? Sorour stated. Get the largest mediocres, get 10 [players]Lets get you and I together and play for $25 Million.
The New Yorker reported that mediocres were less-known golfers who would replace high-profile players like Dustin Johnson Bryson DeChambeau, who waited for the LIV Golf circuit to open.
LIV Golfs inaugural season concludes with a $50 Million team championship, which will be held Oct. 28-30 at Trump National Doral Miami.