A controversial new golf tournament series funded by Saudi Arabia and driving a wedge in the world of professional golf is making a stop at Donald Trump's home course in New Jersey this weekend. While the regime in Riyadh is being accused of "sportswashing" with the competition given the possible involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the horrific murder of journalist Jamal Kashoggi, the ex-US President shows no reservations. He is hosting the third competition of the breakaway LIV Golf Invitational Pro-Am at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. And he praises the "gold rush" that the Saudi league is triggering among the players.
In the US sports broadcaster ESPN, he explained why he supports the controversial new golf series. "I've known these people for a long time, they've been friends of mine for a long time, and they've invested in a lot of American companies," Trump said. "And honestly, what they do for golf is so great. What they do for the players is so great. The prize money is going to skyrocket." Many players have long since disagreed with the international golf association PGA, and now they have an alternative, said the ex-president, who is known as a passionate golfer. No one would have ever thought that such a "gold rush" would happen. The prize money could be five, six, seven or even eight million dollars instead of one million. "A lot of money," says the real estate millionaire.
Asked about the sensitive fact that as a New Yorker he supports Saudi Arabian business, although there is still talk of the regime in Riyadh being involved in the terrorist attacks of November 9, 2001, Trump replied: "Nobody has 9/11 so far can really get to the bottom of it - unfortunately." He condemned the "maniacs" who did this to "our city, our country, the world".
"But I can say," Trump drew attention away from the sensitive issue, "that really great people are here today and we're going to have a lot of fun, we're going to party and money is going to charity, a lot of money is going to charity purpose." Then he once again praised the golf tournament and the Saudi series: "The best players in the world are here, many of the best players in the world, and maybe they will all have them soon."
Sources: ESPN; "marca"
