PORTLAND, Ore. — You can say the same about LIV Golf: The new Saudi-backed organization and its players certainly know how to make headlines — and stir up controversy.
The tour, which makes its U.S. debut Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge near Portland, quickly became known for its controversial exchanges among media outlets questioning Saudi Arabia’s abysmal human rights record. man and the players who for the most part refuse to recognize this record.
This continued Tuesday afternoon, as Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez attended the second press conference of the day and were visibly annoyed by every non-golf related question.
Asked about various local politicians who have expressed opposition to LIV’s presence in Oregon Given who is funding the tournament, Perez said, “I understand the topics you’re trying to bring up and these are horrible events. But I’m here to play golf.
Perez did not specify what he meant by “horrific events,” although it likely refers to the 2018 death of the Washington Post reporter. Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the Saudi consulatewould be included.
In response to broader concerns about LIV’s ties to Saudi Arabia, Koepka said people are “allowed to have their opinion, we’ve heard it, everyone has heard it.” Our only job is to play golf. We’re trying to grow the game.”
But Koepka and Perez didn’t care whether, by aligning themselves with Saudi Arabia, they were actually alienating fans and risking hurting the growth of the game?
“We didn’t ask them (the fans),” Perez said. ” We do not know. Go ask them.
Koepka argued that more golf on television and the internet in general — whether people get it through TikTok, Instagram or Twitter — is ultimately good for the development of the sport. And clearly, Reed said, the PGA Tour views LIV as an organization that will do just that.
“Seeing how miraculously the purses have climbed on the PGA Tour, it just shows that they obviously believe that not only is it a real threat, but a great tour, if they copy what we’re doing ” Reed said. “I believe this is a tour that will last forever.”
MORE:Bryson DeChambeau on the Saudis and LIV Golf: ‘People will see the good they do’
NOTICE:Brooks Koepka and other LIV frat boys pose no real threat to the future of the PGA Tour
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On topics related to playing golf, Koepka, Perez and Reed have all expressed frustration with the PGA Tour, tired of what they view as a punitive and unrealistic schedule. They said the PGA Tour created division by not listening to players when they complained about a busy schedule that didn’t allow them to get proper rest. Koepka said he returned to playing three weeks after major knee surgery, even though doctors advised him not to play for six months. What other option did he have?
“If you took a period of time because your body needed it, now you’re behind,” said Reed, the 2018 Masters winner.
Perez, 46, said he “has been on the road longer than (new LIV golfer) Matt Wolff has been alive.” Ultimately, I’m tired of being on the road. This (LIV) is like winning the lottery.
All players who signed a contract with LIV were suspended from PGA Tour eventsalthough only a handful, including Reed, actually resigned their membership.
“I’m not resigning,” Perez said. “I don’t think I did anything wrong.”
As for continuing to have access to the majors, no one seems very worried.
“Obviously we don’t really know where they all stand,” Reed said. “Being a former champion at Augusta and wearing a green jacket, I think I would be able to play there for the rest of my life. Ultimately, it will be up to them.
Koepka added: “If you play well everywhere in the world, everything will be fine. I made my decision, I’m happy with it and whatever happens, I’ll live with it.
