Golf Executive's 9/11 Saudi Meeting Sparks Controversy and Apology

Golf Executive Faces Backlash Over Saudi Talks on 9/11 Anniversary

The European golf community found itself embroiled in controversy last week when DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings participated in discussions with Saudi representatives in New York City on September 11th. The talks, aimed at resolving the ongoing rift in professional golf, inadvertently sparked outrage among 9/11 victims' families.

Kinnings, who is working alongside the PGA Tour to negotiate with the Saudi Public Investment Fund — backers of both LIV Golf and Newcastle United FC — has since expressed regret for any distress caused. The timing of the meeting was deemed "completely tone deaf" by Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, given the sensitive nature of the date and the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers in the 2001 attacks were Saudi nationals.

Addressing the controversy, Kinnings stated, "We didn't set the timeframe or agenda. However, I have the deepest sympathy and empathy for those families." He emphasized that there was no intentional disrespect, explaining that the purpose was to "do the right thing for the sport of golf.

The golf executive acknowledged the broader implications for 9/11 families and offered an apology to anyone upset by the meeting's timing. He added, "I was there in New York and witnessed some of the memorial ceremonies. It only reinforced my sympathy for the families affected.

This incident highlights the complex interplay between international sports business and geopolitical sensitivities, particularly as the golf world seeks to navigate its internal conflicts while remaining mindful of broader societal concerns.

Golf's Civil War: Challenges and Complexities in Pursuit of Unity

The professional golf world continues to grapple with the aftermath of LIV Golf's 2022 launch, as efforts to forge a unified path forward face numerous hurdles. Despite a framework agreement announced in June last year, the December deadline for a comprehensive peace deal has come and gone without resolution.

DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings, reflecting on recent negotiations in New York, expressed cautious optimism. "Setting deadlines isn't productive," he noted, "but I left those meetings with a sense of positivity from all parties involved." Kinnings acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, emphasizing the shared goal of finding a solution beneficial to the sport as a whole.

Rory McIlroy, a prominent voice in the ongoing debate, identified two major obstacles to reaching an agreement: the U.S. Department of Justice's scrutiny and divergent player interests. The potential deal must address several thorny issues, including compensating PGA Tour loyalists who declined LIV Golf's lucrative offers and integrating LIV events into a revised tournament calendar.

Complicating matters further is the necessity for player ratification of any proposed agreement. McIlroy, no longer serving on the PGA Policy Board, offered insight into the divided opinions within both tours. "I'd estimate about half the players on LIV want the deal to happen, while the other half doesn't. The split is likely similar on the PGA Tour," he remarked. "Everyone's looking out for their own interests, and a deal could benefit some while potentially disadvantaging others.

This ongoing saga highlights the intricate balance between tradition, innovation, and individual interests in the evolving landscape of professional golf. As negotiations continue, the sport faces a critical juncture that could reshape its future for years to come.

Golf's Civil War: Challenges and Complexities in Pursuit of Unity

The professional golf world continues to grapple with the aftermath of LIV Golf's 2022 launch, as efforts to forge a unified path forward face numerous hurdles. Despite a framework agreement announced in June last year, the December deadline for a comprehensive peace deal has come and gone without resolution.

DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings, reflecting on recent negotiations in New York, expressed cautious optimism. "Setting deadlines isn't productive," he noted, "but I left those meetings with a sense of positivity from all parties involved." Kinnings acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, emphasizing the shared goal of finding a solution beneficial to the sport as a whole.

Rory McIlroy, a prominent voice in the ongoing debate, identified two major obstacles to reaching an agreement: the U.S. Department of Justice's scrutiny and divergent player interests. The potential deal must address several thorny issues, including compensating PGA Tour loyalists who declined LIV Golf's lucrative offers and integrating LIV events into a revised tournament calendar.

Complicating matters further is the necessity for player ratification of any proposed agreement. McIlroy, no longer serving on the PGA Policy Board, offered insight into the divided opinions within both tours. "I'd estimate about half the players on LIV want the deal to happen, while the other half doesn't. The split is likely similar on the PGA Tour," he remarked. "Everyone's looking out for their own interests, and a deal could benefit some while potentially disadvantaging others.

This ongoing saga highlights the intricate balance between tradition, innovation, and individual interests in the evolving landscape of professional golf. As negotiations continue, the sport faces a critical juncture that could reshape its future for years to come.

Golf's Civil War: Challenges and Complexities in Pursuit of Unity

The professional golf world continues to grapple with the aftermath of LIV Golf's 2022 launch, as efforts to forge a unified path forward face numerous hurdles. Despite a framework agreement announced in June last year, the December deadline for a comprehensive peace deal has come and gone without resolution.

DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings, reflecting on recent negotiations in New York, expressed cautious optimism. "Setting deadlines isn't productive," he noted, "but I left those meetings with a sense of positivity from all parties involved." Kinnings acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, emphasizing the shared goal of finding a solution beneficial to the sport as a whole.

Rory McIlroy, a prominent voice in the ongoing debate, identified two major obstacles to reaching an agreement: the U.S. Department of Justice's scrutiny and divergent player interests. The potential deal must address several thorny issues, including compensating PGA Tour loyalists who declined LIV Golf's lucrative offers and integrating LIV events into a revised tournament calendar.

Complicating matters further is the necessity for player ratification of any proposed agreement. McIlroy, no longer serving on the PGA Policy Board, offered insight into the divided opinions within both tours. "I'd estimate about half the players on LIV want the deal to happen, while the other half doesn't. The split is likely similar on the PGA Tour," he remarked. "Everyone's looking out for their own interests, and a deal could benefit some while potentially disadvantaging others.

This ongoing saga highlights the intricate balance between tradition, innovation, and individual interests in the evolving landscape of professional golf. As negotiations continue, the sport faces a critical juncture that could reshape its future for years to come.