Just over one month ago, the PGA Tour sent shockwaves through the worldwide golf community with the announcement that it would enter into a formal business relationship Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
On Sunday, the tour suffered its first defection following the announcement.
The PGA Tour Policy Board is a ten member group that guides the tour’s decision-making policies. On Sunday, Board Member Randall Stephenson, former Chairman and CEO of AT&T, submitted his letter of resignation to the other nine members.
In part, Stephenson wrote that the deal: “is not one that I can objectively evaluate or in good conscience support, particularly in light of the U.S. intelligence report concerning Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.”
Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist and author who was well known for his critical views of the Saudi government.
In October 2018, Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain documents related to his impending marriage. No one saw him leave. Numerous news reports claimed that he was killed and dismembered while inside. Saudi government officials adamantly denied the accusations.
Following numerous investigations, Saudi Arabia’s attorney general eventually announced that Khashoggi had indeed been premeditatedly murdered. The Central Intelligence Agency concluded that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, ordered the murder.
The Public Investment Fund is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, with total estimated assets of $650 billion. The fund was created in 1971 with the purpose of investing funds on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Stephenson had initially planned for to resign on June 12, but is now expected to delay his exit until Commission Jay Monahan’s scheduled return on July 17.
Policy Board Member Jimmy Dunne, who orchestrated the deal with the PIF, is to testify before Congress tomorrow (Tuesday, July 11th).
The ten member board will ultimately vote on whether or not to approved the proposed deal.
There is currently no timetable for the vote.
Cherokee Ridge: A Can’t Miss Golf Experience in North Alabama
Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, Cherokee Ridge Country Club showcases a fantastic layout and terrific playing conditions. Located in Union Grove, AL, Cherokee Ridge is approximately 30 minutes south of Huntsville. The course...
GOLFERS FIND MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN GOLF IN NORTH GEORGIA
The best mountain golf in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains is not restricted to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The state which is often overlooked is the Peach State, Georgia. Many golfers are pleasantly surprised to discover that three of...
The Club at Diamondhead: 36 Holes of Spectacular Golf on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
The Club at Diamondhead offers 36 holes of spectacular golf on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Take your pick of the Pine or Cardinal courses, or better yet, play them both! Located conveniently between New Orleans and Gulfport/Biloxi at Exit 16 of I-10, Diamondhead is...
Introducing Zerofit Baselayer Technology
It is tough to get excited about playing golf when the thermometer is telling you to stay in your warm, cozy bed. Sure, you could tee it up with four layers and stay relatively warm, but your swing will be restricted from all that clothing. Thanks to the tried and...
Indian Pines Golf Course to Reopen in November as Pines Crossing After Renovation
Indian Pines Golf Course is currently undergoing a $5.7 million renovation project and is scheduled to be ready for play this fall. The course will feature a completely new layout, and a new name – Pines Crossing. The course closed last fall to make way for the...
Pursell Farms Founders Pub Offers Amazing Food & Southern Hospitality
The Founders Pub at Pursell Farms is where history and hospitality come together to create a truly unique experience. Located in what was once office space, prior to the construction of the Inn, the Founders Pub honors James T. Pursell, known as Mr. Jimmy, and his...
Wild Dunes: Charleston’s Beach Resort
Pack your bags and get the clubs ready – Wild Dunes awaits! Located on the beautiful Isle of Palms, just minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, the fabulous resort offers a variety of activities that will help you unwind and have an amazing stay. Wild Dunes...
Streamsong Offers Special Rate Program to Florida and Georgia Residents
Golfers who live in Florida and neighboring Georgia can now play one of America’s “bucket list” golf destinations at an amazing low rate! Streamsong Resort is offering residents of the Sunshine and Peach states great rates this summer. There is no better time...
SRIXON ZX MK II DRIVERS ARE LONGER THAN CALLAWAY, TAYLORMADE, AND TITLEIST IN INDEPENDENT TESTING
SRIXON®, a global leader in tour-quality golf equipment and innovation, is pleased to announce the results of independent robot testing run by Golf Labs, confirming Srixon’s ZX5 LS Mk II Driver is an average four yards longer than Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist...
Perfect Swing Path Board
The Perfect Swing Path Board was designed by Ned Martin, PGA to simplify the setup position and swing path and to help players become more consistent. Proper fundamentals and mechanics are the building blocks of developing a solid golf swing and becoming a better...
Tiger Woods’ Popstroke Expansion To Include Tuscaloosa & Nashville
PopStroke Entertainment Group has announced plans to expand into thirteen new markets including Tuscaloosa, AL and Nashville, TN. The Tuscaloosa venue is already under construction. Construction will also begin this year in a number of locations throughout the...
Limestone Springs Hosts the Alabama Golf Association’s 41st Four-Ball Championship
The Alabama Golf Association will conduct its 41st State Four-Ball Championship at Limestone Springs in Oneonta, AL starting today, April 27 through Sunday, April 30. The field consists of 69 two-man teams. Limestone Springs previously held the event in 2003. The...