For months, the PGA Tour has clearly stated that LIV — the upstart golf tour backed by the Saudi government — was little more than an extravagantly financed effort to paper over egregious Saudi human rights abuses. LIV, which is financed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF), lured players away from the PGA Tour by guaranteed payouts of $100 million or more.
This news encapsulates in a nutshell how and why democracies succumb to authoritarianism. Greed and lack of character. Arrogance, entitlement, and lack of gratitude for living in a free society. This spits on the victims of 9/11 and their families, not to mention the millions of Americans who fought and died over centuries to defend freedom, the rule of law, and democracy. The proper response: boycott PGA golf and their corporate supporters and advertisers. This includes watching the tours on tv or in person, buying the merchandise, etc. Let's show the PGA, the Saudis, and the rest of the world what America stands for and what Americans are made of. Judd, please keep us informed on who and how to boycott.
A sad day for the PGA, an organization I formerly admired for the standards they promoted (fair play, community service, and the values associated with the game). Now they are simply another money-grubbing business willing to overlook Saudi human rights abuses. Sad day for all who love golf.
So nauseating. Feel bad for the pros who actually had a conscience and are now tarred with the bonesaw brush. They dont have a lot of options. And not that anyone cares about the laydeez, but curious about the LPGA in all of this. Ugh.
Follow the money straight to Monahan’s pockets. This is absolutely so egregious. I hope the players that were blindsided take a collective step back. What a crime.
Can't say I am a huge fan of golf. Now I will not be a watcher or participant of any golf promoted by the PGA. They should be mightily ashamed. They didn't even tell the players whose livelihood is affected. If these players have a shred of decency they will walk out en masse and not play for this new entity.
Wait... let me get this straight: LIV isn't pronounced 54? It's pronounced "Live", as in "to live and let live"? You mean, like MBS did to Jamal Khashoggi? Or does to women? Or how he treats his own family?
This is a giant mountain of Bull crap... And it smells all the way down to Hell.
I was hoping you would cover this explosive story Judd. Thank you. Now follow up with investigations into the money that will now be funneled to the Saudis from the sale of PGA supporting license plates in states like Minnesota where, for a contribution in addition to your annual vehicle registration, you can display license plates with a golf image on your vehicle. Where does the contribution go? To support PGA tournaments. NOW where who will get that contribution? LIV aka the Saudis? I am literally LIVid!! https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/dvs-content-detail.aspx?pageID=686&pageTitle=License+Plates+-+Specialized+Plates+-+MN+Golf
Do we assume that the PGA will hold the events at the failing Trump golf clubs that the LIV people already paid for? And if so, how many players take those weeks off? Or, does the LIVified PGA threaten to sanction any player who puts principle over fealty to Trump and MbS?
This news encapsulates in a nutshell how and why democracies succumb to authoritarianism. Greed and lack of character. Arrogance, entitlement, and lack of gratitude for living in a free society. This spits on the victims of 9/11 and their families, not to mention the millions of Americans who fought and died over centuries to defend freedom, the rule of law, and democracy. The proper response: boycott PGA golf and their corporate supporters and advertisers. This includes watching the tours on tv or in person, buying the merchandise, etc. Let's show the PGA, the Saudis, and the rest of the world what America stands for and what Americans are made of. Judd, please keep us informed on who and how to boycott.
A sad day for the PGA, an organization I formerly admired for the standards they promoted (fair play, community service, and the values associated with the game). Now they are simply another money-grubbing business willing to overlook Saudi human rights abuses. Sad day for all who love golf.
There is only one word that comes to my mind after reading this: despicable.
So nauseating. Feel bad for the pros who actually had a conscience and are now tarred with the bonesaw brush. They dont have a lot of options. And not that anyone cares about the laydeez, but curious about the LPGA in all of this. Ugh.
The New American where integrity is up for sale to the highest bidder! Greed is good right?
Follow the money straight to Monahan’s pockets. This is absolutely so egregious. I hope the players that were blindsided take a collective step back. What a crime.
The greed and hypocrisy of the PGA is astounding. Let’s hope golf fans turn off their TVs. I am.
Pink Floyd was right “Money it’s a hit don’t gimme that do goody good bull….”. Since the goal of golf is to have the lowest score why swing at all.
Can't say I am a huge fan of golf. Now I will not be a watcher or participant of any golf promoted by the PGA. They should be mightily ashamed. They didn't even tell the players whose livelihood is affected. If these players have a shred of decency they will walk out en masse and not play for this new entity.
Thanks, Judd.
Yes, how does this effect the LPGA?
And, will this new commercial entity pay taxes? Or is the PIF a new tax exempt charitable organization?
PS: Don't ask SCOTUS.
Wait... let me get this straight: LIV isn't pronounced 54? It's pronounced "Live", as in "to live and let live"? You mean, like MBS did to Jamal Khashoggi? Or does to women? Or how he treats his own family?
This is a giant mountain of Bull crap... And it smells all the way down to Hell.
EFFFFF the PGA and anyone who supports them.
I was hoping you would cover this explosive story Judd. Thank you. Now follow up with investigations into the money that will now be funneled to the Saudis from the sale of PGA supporting license plates in states like Minnesota where, for a contribution in addition to your annual vehicle registration, you can display license plates with a golf image on your vehicle. Where does the contribution go? To support PGA tournaments. NOW where who will get that contribution? LIV aka the Saudis? I am literally LIVid!! https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/dvs-content-detail.aspx?pageID=686&pageTitle=License+Plates+-+Specialized+Plates+-+MN+Golf
Do we assume that the PGA will hold the events at the failing Trump golf clubs that the LIV people already paid for? And if so, how many players take those weeks off? Or, does the LIVified PGA threaten to sanction any player who puts principle over fealty to Trump and MbS?
Long may the PGA’s money grubbing come back to haunt them.
A link to the PGA sponsors: https://www.pgatour.com/marketing-partners
If the PGA doesn't need their money now, I am going to let them know my thoughts.
There aren’t enough words to describe how egregious this deal is.