In a controversial turn of events, European golf’s leadership found itself issuing an apology to the families of 9/11 victims.
This came after high-profile talks with Saudi Arabian backers of LIV Golf took place in New York City, coinciding with the 23rd anniversary of the attacks.
The Tragedy of 9/11 and Its Lasting Impact
The attacks on September 11, 2001, claimed the lives of 2,977 individuals, leaving thousands more injured.
The events targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania, forever altering the lives of many, including families still grieving their loved ones.
Negotiations with Saudi Backers
Guy Kinnings, the DP World Tour chief, has been deeply involved in negotiations aimed at resolving tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
These discussions also involve Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which owns LIV Golf and Newcastle United.
Reports indicate that Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, were also engaged in the talks, having invested in the PGA Tour.
Families’ Outrage Over Insensitive Timing
Despite the importance of the talks, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Families of 9/11 victims were outraged by the discussions taking place so close to the anniversary of the tragedy.
Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice and someone who lost his father in the attacks, voiced his frustration.
He called the decision to hold these talks on such a sensitive date “completely tone deaf.”
Kinnings Apologizes for Unfortunate Timing
When questioned about the ill-timed meetings, Kinnings admitted that the optics were bad, but emphasized that the golf leadership didn’t have control over the schedule.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t set the time frame, and we didn’t set the agenda,” he said.
Kinnings expressed his deep empathy for the victims’ families, acknowledging that the circumstances were far from ideal.
“I was there, I watched a number of the ceremonies, and all you feel is sympathy and empathy for the families,” he added.
Saudi Arabia’s Controversial Role
The tensions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in LIV Golf go beyond the sport itself.
Of the 19 hijackers on 9/11, 15 were Saudi citizens, though the Saudi government has long denied any involvement in the attacks.
Advocacy groups like 9/11 Justice have consistently accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the terrorists responsible for the attack, adding further complexity to LIV Golf’s reputation.
Talks Continue Amidst Criticism
The meetings, which began on September 10, were set to continue for several days.
Eagleson also called out PGA Tour representatives and golf legend Tiger Woods, who were present in New York City during the discussions.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Eagleson criticized the timing of the talks, expressing deep hurt that such high-profile negotiations would take place near Ground Zero so close to the anniversary.
LIV Golf’s Uncertain Future
LIV Golf, which launched in 2022, has remained a topic of contention within the golfing world.
Though a framework for a peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf was laid out in 2023, no formal agreement has been reached.
Golf star Rory McIlroy weighed in on the situation, suggesting that obstacles remain both from the U.S. Department of Justice and within the players’ community.
McIlroy’s Take on the Deal’s Progress
McIlroy noted that opinions are divided.
“Maybe half the players on LIV want the deal to get done, half probably don’t,” he said, hinting at differing interests on both the LIV and PGA Tour sides.
The future of these talks remains uncertain, with players and stakeholders assessing what’s in their best interest.
While some push for a resolution, others remain hesitant to finalize any deal.
What’s Next for Golf?
The negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will likely continue, but tensions are high.
With emotions surrounding 9/11 still raw and the sports world watching closely, both sides will have to carefully navigate the public sentiment as they work toward a solution.
Whether or not a deal will be reached remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: timing and public perception matter more than ever in this high-stakes conversation.