LPGA Tour superstars Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson refused to be drawn into the idea of starring in a LIVGolf for women or whether or not it would receive the same level of scrutiny as Greg Norman’s company.
Thompson, 27, and younger sister Korda, 24, are in New York at the Glen Oaks Club for the upcoming Aramco Team Series event.
A few weeks ago, the aforementioned Norman suggested that while he was focused on the $405 million LIV Golf League in 2023, it was still very interested by launching a LIV Golf for women.
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Mollie Marcoux Samaan, commissioner of the LPGA circuit said in July she would “start a conversation” with the head of LIV if she “achieved our goal of promoting women’s golf.”
She also added, “But it takes input from players and sponsors. There are many factors to consider before doing business with LIV Golf.”
Charley Hull of England addressed this subject after his recent victory to The Ascendant, saying “you’d be crazy” not to consider an offer from LIV.
Now, Thompson and Korda, both former major champions, have shared their thoughts.
They were asked if a LIV Golf for women would receive the same level of scrutiny as for men. Throughout LIV’s inaugural season, players faced questions accusing them of being complicit in the practice of sportswashing.
Thompson said: “I would say that without the support of Aramco, LET would not be as strong as it is today.
“And I think they’re growing women’s golf, and I think if you talk to any of the players on the Ladies European Tour, they’re extremely grateful for the opportunity, and I think that’s what Aramco is trying to do. They are trying to develop women’s football and I fully support them.”
Korda nodded.
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Would every player consider playing LIV Golf for Women?
“I mean, right now it’s kind of speculation. As a player, I don’t really know and it’s not in my hands. It’s for the Tour commissioner,” Korda said .
Thompson said: “Yeah, exactly. I mean, there are discussions going on that it could happen but it hasn’t been brought to our attention. We’re just doing what we can and that involves playing the LPGA and there’s not much else. We’re just growing the game. There’s not much else we can do.
Korda continued: “I can only speak for myself, but my eyes are on the LPGA. This is just speculation for me. I’m focused on the LPGA Tour and what’s in front of me and with everything that is happening on LIV, it’s all speculation and I’m not focusing on speculation.
Their comments came the same week a Saudi activist wrote to Commissioner Samaan, the LPGA Tour board and players, urging them not to sleep with LIV.
Lina Alhathloul described the alleged treatment of her sister by the Saudi government, adding: “The general situation of women in Saudi Arabia has not improved, as the Saudi narrative suggests. »
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She added: “I understand that you may believe that your involvement in such a country could have a positive impact on its fate but, given the current context, your participation in the events organized by the crown prince will only contribute to its rehabilitation and to cover up all violations.
“In fact, I am sounding the alarm about the consequences of such actions.
“I urge you to consider the human rights aspect of your potential involvement in LIV Golf and use your influence to positively improve the situation of women in the country and to publicly distance yourself from the Saudi regime.”
