Graeme McDowell admits it’s “incredibly polarizing” to hitch a brand new Saudi-funded dissident golf league. He even offered a motive.
“Take the Khashoggi case,” he stated. We all agree that that is reprehensible. No one will dispute this truth. »
The Northern Irish golfer was referring to the 2018 homicide of Jamal Khashoggi on the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US intelligence has revealed they consider the killing of the US-based Saudi journalist was on the orders of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads the Public Investment Fund. The prince denies any wrongdoing within the matter.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund gives tons of of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in registration charges and scholarships that assist divert gamers from established circuits and jeopardize their participation in main tournaments and the Ryder Cup.
The new league is Saudi Arabia’s newest transfer to revive the nation’s picture as a beneficiant sponsor of sporting occasions as a substitute of being related to human rights abuses, which advocacy teams rights name “sportswashing”.
“We are not politicians”
McDowell tried to keep away from speaking in regards to the particularities of the nation with which he associates.
“I really feel like golf is a force for good in the world. I just try to be a great role model for the kids,” he stated. We usually are not politicians. I do know you hate that expression, however sadly we actually do not. We are skilled golfers. »
“If Saudi Arabia needed to make use of golf as a approach to get the place they wish to be they usually have the sources to speed up that have, I believe we’re proud to assist them on that journey utilizing the game. of golf and the talents we now have to assist develop the game and take them the place they wish to be. »
Does this journey, McDowell was requested, assist oppressed girls in Saudi Arabia, LGBTQ+ individuals whose proper to dwell freely is criminalized, migrant employees whose rights are violated, victims of bombings Saudis in Yemen, or the 81 males executed by the dominion in March?
“I wish I had the ability to have that conversation with you,” McDowell stated. As golfers, if we tried to repair the geopolitical conditions in each nation on the planet the place we play golf, we would not play a lot golf. This is a really troublesome query to reply. »
“We’re simply right here to deal with golf and what it is doing globally to supply function fashions. »
McDowell’s phrases resonated with Dustin Johnson: “I might say just about the identical factor. I agree with what Graeme stated. »
lengthy thought
Johnson, a two-time main event winner, has additionally confirmed that he’s turning his again on the PGA Tour to hitch this new dissident league.
The inaugural event of this circuit, which provides a prize pool of US$25 million, takes place from Thursday on the Centurion membership in St. Albans, north London.
Johnson revealed that it “took long and hard thought” earlier than leaving the PGA Tour, seemingly ending his hopes of competing within the Ryder Cup with the United States.
“In the top, I made a decision to come back and play, confided Johnson current on the Centurion membership. I’m enthusiastic about this concept. Obviously the Ryder Cup is wonderful and it meant quite a bit to me. … I hope I’ll have the chance to play there once more, however I do not set the foundations. »
Johnson, whose final win dates again to the Saudi International in 2021, is No. 15 on the planet, the highest-ranked golfer on the board. He has held the highest of the world rankings longer than some other participant since Tiger Woods.
“I chose what is best for me and my family,” he continued, explaining his determination to hitch the Saudi firm led by Greg Norman.
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