Golf becomes a geopolitical trophyThe shock news that the PGA Tour plans to join forces with LIV Golf, the upstart circuit that it has spent the past year feuding with, rattled the normally staid world of golf.
Saudi Arabia, LIV’s backer, now stands to hold enormous sway over golf, as it invests billions to extend its presence throughout pro sports — and beyond.
It’s an additional sign of how the kingdom is seeking to assert its role as a growing geopolitical and global business power.
Covert jet-setting talks led to the golf deal.
Those on the Saudi side included the banker Michael Klein, a longtime adviser to the kingdom.
Persons:
LIV Golf, LIV, Jay Monahan, Ed Herlihy, Wachtell, Jimmy Dunne, Piper Sandler, Michael Klein
Organizations:
PGA Tour, PGA, Allen & Company
Locations:
Saudi Arabia, what’s, Saudi