• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

The Open Becomes Golf’s First Major to Entertain Saudi Investment

  • The head of LIV Golf met with the CEO of the R&A on Sunday at the Open Championship.
  • No other organizing body of a major championship has held official talks with the Saudis.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

LIV Golf has received its first breakthrough with organizers of one of men’s golf’s four major championships.

Late Monday, it was confirmed that Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan met with R&A CEO Martin Slumbers on Sunday during the Open Championship’s final round at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, as American Brian Harman claimed victory by six strokes.

According to The Telegraph, the meeting was “more symbolic than substantive.” Also at the meeting was Amanda Staveley — a key PIF associate and minority owner of Newcastle United who helped facilitate Al-Rumayyan’s discussions with the PGA Tour.

Ahead of the Open, Slumbers wouldn’t rule out taking money from the Saudis and acknowledged the R&A’s struggle to keep up with rising prize funds in pro golf. The Open’s $16.5 million purse was the smallest of golf’s four majors — and less than every purse on the LIV circuit and the PGA Tour’s elevated events.

Under its framework agreement with the PGA Tour, the PIF could become a premier corporate sponsor, providing more than $1 billion in cash. A similar arrangement with the Open could potentially be on the horizon.

Tipping Point?

At the U.S. Open, USGA CEO Mike Whan wouldn’t rule out accepting Saudi funding but downplayed its likelihood. 

Interest in Saudi funding also wasn’t a topic for the PGA of America or Augusta National at the PGA Championship or Masters — which both took place before the PGA Tour’s bombshell agreement was announced.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.

Featured Today

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
Stephen Curry celebrates after sinking the winning putt during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Golf’s Hottest Celebrity Tournament Keeps Getting More Exclusive

The American Century Championship tees off at Lake Tahoe on Friday.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell during the NFLPA press conference at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
July 10, 2025

NFLPA Head Has Side Hustle With PE Firm That Can Invest in..

The NFLPA’s executive director is embroiled in multiple controversies.
Bruce Meyer and Tony Clark of the MLBPA
July 10, 2025

MLB, Players’ Union Spar Over Salary Cap As Labor Fight Looms

The MLB Players Association’s No. 2 executive outlines what he sees owners doing.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 10, 2025

Murphy: Club WC Snags Won’t Derail Biggest Event ‘in Human History’

New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium is the concluding site of both FIFA events.
Crystal Palace FC
July 10, 2025

Crystal Palace’s Europa League Spot in Limbo After Lyon Wins Appeal

The ruling on Olympique Lyonnais was overturned this week on appeal.
July 9, 2025

U.K. Appoints New Soccer Regulator, EPL Matches Stay Behind Paywall

Men’s soccer in England will receive new levels of oversight.
July 9, 2025

NFL’s Alternate Uniforms Fuel Big Business—and Lots of Nostalgia

The Commanders kick off a run of new NFL helmets and uniforms.