Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, hosted the third event run by the controversial, Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. If some state legislators have their way, however, it may never be back.
Two state senators, Andrew Zwicker and Richard Codey, introduced a bill on Tuesday that would effectively ban LIV Golf events from taking place inside the Garden State’s borders.
The bill prohibits any sporting events backed by sovereign wealth funds — but appears specifically aimed at LIV Golf, which is resourced by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“We do not need further recognition or notoriety from hosting competitions that are bankrolled by repressive governments or unsavory actors like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Sen. Zwicker said in a statement.
The announcement noted two specific transgressions: the government’s murder of Washington Post jouranlist Jamal Khashoggi, and the participation of 15 Saudi citizens in the 9/11 attacks.
Though tied to the oppressive regime, LIV Golf’s flashy prize purses have attracted stars including Phil Mickelson and most recently British Open champion Cameron Smith. While there’s no women’s event yet, LIV Golf is considering a women’s tour, as Front Office Sports previously reported.
