The recent deal that ended a civil war in professional golf could see major tournaments continue to be played at Trump-owned courses in the US and globally, potentially benefiting former President Donald J. Trump’s family business. This agreement is another example of the close relationship that exists between Trump and Saudi Arabia. The country’s sovereign wealth fund has played a significant role in the upheaval in the golf world, and its involvement has raised questions about using wealth to expand its reputation while ignoring its human rights record. LIV Golf, a Saudi-funded breakaway professional golf circuit, was established to challenge the PGA Tour, which had attempted to prevent Trump courses from hosting major events. Trump and his family sided with LIV, and the rival tours recently merged. This new partnership raises ethical concerns and prompts political criticism, especially concerning Trump, who has been conducting business with foreign entities while running for another term in the White House. The Justice Department has subpoenaed the Trump Organization as part of its investigation into the former president’s dealings with LIV Golf. It remains unknown how much the Trump family makes from LIV tournaments since the payments don’t show up in financial disclosure reports. Trump’s social media platform Truth Social confirmed he welcomed the agreement between LIV Golf and PGA Tour while Trump’s son Eric praised it as “a wonderful thing for the game of golf”. While this new development may benefit Trump-owned golf courses, it also poses political risks for Trump. 9/11 Families United, a group pushing for an investigation into the origins of the 2001 terror attacks, has criticized Saudi Arabia’s attempt to enter professional golf as part of a plan to sportswash its reputation related to human rights and allegations linking hijackers to the Saudi government. Democratic Senator Christopher S. Murphy has voiced similar concerns while also suggesting that PGA officials who accepted the deal with LIV have become “just more paid Saudi shills.”
