CEO of Golf Saudi Walks Back Comments on Creating Majors for LIV Golfers

Earlier this week, the New Yorker published a long article on the past, present, and future of LIV Golf.

As part of that encompassing article, author Zach Helfand wrote, as part of his conversation with Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour, that those financing LIV Golf were frustrated by the possibility that pros on the new circuit may end up not being eligible to play in majors if they’re unable to amass Official World Golf Ranking points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In fact, a quote was published where Sorour said he would create his own majors if LIV cannot get into the traditional four.

🚨#NEW: “For now, the majors are siding with the Tour, and I don’t know why. If the majors decide not to have our players play? I will celebrate. I will create my own majors for my players.” —CEO of Saudi Golf, Majed Al Sorour tells @NewYorker. (Via @BunkeredOnline)

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) October 18, 2022

After receiving plenty of backlash in golf and the sports world at large, with most of the criticism stemming from the majors being what they are based on history and tradition—not a dollar figure—Sorour is walking back those comments.

Here is a look at a statement Sorour released:

“I had a casual conversation with a New Yorker reporter at LIV’s Boston event a few weeks ago, during which I expressed my frustration at the unfortunate blackballing of LIV Golf players by the PGA Tour. When it comes to the majors, tournaments that stand alone and are independent of LIV, I have the utmost respect for the majors. The majors are about history, heritage, true competition and honor.

“The story wrongfully expressed and misrepresented my views. The majors are indeed the best platform where LIV golfers and other tour golfers can compete, despite the PGA Tour’s suspension of our players. As a LIV Golf board member and managing director, I am here to accomplish our LIV Golf investment chairman and the board’s strategic direction by building a team, growing the game and defending player rights. That is my only interest.’’

Sorour didn’t go into detail on how his words were misrepresented in the New Yorker story.

LIV’s 2022 season wraps up with their team championship next weekend at Doral. The $50 million purse is double that of the other seven LIV Golf events that have taken place this year.

Cover Image Via LIV Golf