‘Eonro’ Watson Criticizes PGA Leadership for Partnering with Saudi Arabia

An Open Letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Monahan
"Fair Procedures, Blind Decisions Without Basic Information"
Legend with 39 Career Wins Including 8 Majors

‘Golf legend’ Tom Watson (USA) recently criticized the leadership of the PGA Tour for deciding to merge with LIV Golf in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

On the 20th (local time), Watson sent an open letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, condemning the cooperation with PIF as a "blind decision" made without proper procedures or basic information. Watson stated, "There are still many unanswered questions," adding, "We do not know the meaning of this cooperation, what we have gained, or what we have lost," and pointed out, "An investigation is needed into why the negotiations were conducted secretly and why even the players' committee was excluded." He further pressured, "The commissioner needs to personally provide extensive explanations to stakeholders such as players, media, and tournament sponsors."

Tom Watson

Watson said, "We value the opportunity to earn money, but we do not chase money at any cost," and questioned, "The core is not about compensating players who resisted the temptation of LIV Golf. What about the return of players who went to LIV Golf?" He criticized, "The traditional business model of the PGA Tour has faced moral and financial difficulties due to the threat of LIV Golf," and asked, "Is PIF the only solution to the financial difficulties faced by the PGA Tour? Are there no alternatives?"

In particular, Watson directly attacked, saying, "I am still waiting for Saudi Arabia to acknowledge its role in the 9/11 attacks," and "Saudi Arabia has committed numerous human rights violations." He also expressed resentment toward Saudi Arabia by saying, "Loyalty to golf and country has meant the same to me throughout my life," and "Teach us all, including myself, to be loyal to golf and country. Look into the eyes of the victims of 9/11 and see ourselves in the mirror."

Watson is a ‘living legend’ who has won a total of 39 PGA Tour titles, including 8 major championships. He is regarded as the greatest player of the next generation after the so-called ‘Big Three’ veterans: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus (both USA), and Gary Player (South Africa). Having won the ‘Green Jacket’ twice, Watson has been serving as an honorary starter alongside Nicklaus and Player since this year.