9/11 Families United Criticizes PGA Tour for Merger with Saudi-Backed LIV Golf Organization

The PGA Tour has recently come under fire after announcing a merger with LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed men’s golf organization. 9/11 Families United, a coalition of families and survivors of the 2001 terrorist attacks, has expressed their shock and offense at the merger, citing the Saudi government’s involvement in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United and whose husband died in the attacks, has called PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan a “Saudi shill”. The merger announcement has caused a stir in the sports world and has even reached the Biden administration, with a reporter seeking comment from the White House.

LIV Golf was created in 2022 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) alongside two of the world’s most prominent players, Phil Mickelson and Greg Norman, and others. It is funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which is controlled by the Saudi crown prince.

The PGA Tour has yet to respond to the criticism and outrage from 9/11 Families United. It is unclear how the merger will affect the PGA Tour and the sport of golf, but it is certain that the controversy surrounding the merger will continue to be a topic of discussion.