The second event of the LIV Golf tour, financed by Saudi Arabia, kicked off Thursday to the outrage of a group of families who lost loved ones during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and want the Saudi government to be held accountable for the attacks.
About 10 family members and survivors gave a lecture at a small park honoring veterans located in the small town of North Plains, where the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club is located.
“This event is nothing more than a group of extremely talented athletes who have turned their backs on the crime of homicide,” said survivor Tim Frolich, who was injured in the World Trade Center collapse.
The LIV Golf Series, funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, held its first event on US soil this week, after debuting earlier this month outside of London.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz took the lead Thursday with a 5-under 67. 2020 Masters winner Dustin Johnson was one shot behind. Pat Perez, Brenden Grace and Hideto Tadihara are within two shots of the leader.
The new series, spearheaded by CEO Greg Norman, aims to compete with the PGA and has attracted players with huge bonuses and hefty purses. But critics refer to the tour as an attempt to divert attention from human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Locally, opponents highlight the case of 15-year-old Fallon Smart, who was run over in 2016. The Saudi man accused in the case removed a monitoring bracelet shortly before his trial and escaped. US authorities believe the Saudi government helped bring him back to his country.
And then there are the 9/11 families, who have contacted some of the players on the new tour, but haven’t gotten an audience. The group produced a commercial break that airs on local television.
“These golfers who get into bed with the Saudis should know what they are doing. What a pity for them. And to golfers who say it’s just a game of golf, shame on them,” said Brett Eagleson, director of the group 9/11 Justice, which lost his father in the World Trade Center. “I invite you to live with the pain in our eyes, to listen to our stories and to put yourself in our shoes, to listen to what we have to say about the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
In Pumpkin Ridge there was a notable police presence, including at the front gate. There were rumors of a designated protest zone in one of the parking lots, but no one was sure where. Admission tickets warned spectators not to display political banners.
Phil Mickelson, winner of six majors and one of the main attractions of the tour, had one of the biggest galleries of the first round.
“In this area there are not many opportunities to see these players in person,” said Will Knowles, one of the fans. “I stay out of politics.”
Because the event was held on two fields, it was difficult to size the crowds, and the tour did not release attendance figures.
For golfers, part of the allure of touring is money. In addition to the hefty bonuses, the 48 players compete for a $20 million prize pool, with an additional $5 million prize pool for a team competition.