High-powered meetings between PGA Tour officials, including golf legend Tiger Woods, and representatives of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in New York City has ignited controversy and drawn fierce criticism from families of 9/11 victims.
The talks, reportedly aimed at finalizing a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, have been scheduled to take place near Ground Zero during the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice and son of a victim, expressed outrage at the timing and location of these meetings.
“Tomorrow, we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, yet here we are today, in New York City, down the street from Ground Zero, and the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods are negotiating with them,” Eagleson said in a statement Monday. “As has been confirmed in the last few weeks by CBS News reporting, the Saudi Arabian government played a role in the horrific attacks of 9/11. It is disgusting, unacceptable, and incredibly painful that the Tour and Woods would do this — especially now.”
The meetings, which reportedly involve Woods, Adam Scott, and other PGA Tour leaders, are part of ongoing negotiations to combine the PGA Tour with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
The talks are expected to last multiple days and focus on a potential $1 billion investment from the PIF into PGA Tour Enterprises.
This controversy comes in the wake of overwhelming evidence suggesting Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks.
The Biden Administration released declassified documents earlier in 2024 indicating that Saudi government employees aided the attackers in the months leading up to 9/11. A CBS News report from June 2024 revealed a video in which a Saudi intelligence operative discussed a “plan” for an attack, including potential targets.
The timing of these meetings has been seen by critics as extremely insensitive.
“The focus must remain on the complicity of the Saudi Government in these heinous acts. It is finally time for Saudi Arabia to be held accountable,” Eagleston said in June.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has previously stated that a deal to lock up funds from the PIF remains a priority for the Tour.
“I don’t think we want to restrict ourselves in that way,” Monahan said about getting Saudi cash while at the Tour Championship. “We want to achieve the best and right outcome at the right time.”