(CNN)Northern IrelandGolferGraeme McDowell says he'll die for his participation He said he was threatened. Saudi-backedLIV Golftour.
Golfers have been heavily criticized for taking a withdrawal tour backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth fund chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. increase. To receive money from a country with a "grabbing" nature of escape from a traditional golf tour, and a dire human rights record.
Bin Salman was nominated in U.S. intelligence reports for his responsibility to approve the operations that led to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he was involved. I denied it. Human rights groups have also criticized the country for executing mass death sentences and dealing with homosexuals.
When asked about receiving money from the Saudi Arabian government before the first event of the LIV Golf Series in June, McDowell said the tour was "incredibly polarized." rice field.
"I think we all agree here. Consider the situation in Khashoggi. We all agree that it will be blamed. Everyone agrees that fact. I'm not going to insist, "he said at a press conference.
"But we are golfers. Personally, I realize that golf is the good power of the world. I want to be a great role model for kids. Golf has taught me. I love using golf games as something that helps me grow around the world. It's a role model for kids for the last 20 years. And it's almost the same as trying to use this game. I really say it as a power of good.
"We are not politicians. You hate that expression. I know, unfortunately we are not really. We are professional golfers. Saudi Arabia wants to use golf games as a way to get to where they want and they want to use that game. If you have the resources to accelerate your experience, we are proud to use golf games to help them on their journey to grow the sport and take them where they want. Abilities we must help. ”
Since the first event in London, as more and more players choose to attend larger paydays, scrutiny
And for McDowell, the 2010 US Open winner, that attention and criticism has been a significant burden.
"You can't turn on your Instagram or Twitter account unless someone tells me to die," said a 42-year-old woman. Monday. "I wish I hadn't said anything. I wish I had sat there and shook my head and said'no comment', but that's not me.
" I'm being asked, so really It's hard. A question that doesn't have the right answer. When I'm only trying to play golf, I'm always being attacked by moral integrity.
"I'm with myself I'm trying to make a business decision for my family. I'm paying a membership fee for the last 20 years in this game and trying to go the right way. Connections ... the horrifying things they've accomplished-(people who criticized LIV golf) are trying to connect this to golf and professional golf.
"I've played golf all over the world. But I played in a country where the record of human rights could be broken.
"" I have never doubted that I am in China in the Middle East. I have done it all over the world. Being is to play professional golf. I play golf for money. I have been chasing that money all over the world throughout my career. All the dollar morals I have ever made. Are you studying? No, no. "
The team-based LIV series, led by former world No. 1 Greg Norman, is backed by PIF and has a total prize of 250 thousand. I promise to award 10,000 dollars. A tournament will be held. There are more than 54 holes instead of 72 holes on the PGA Tour and no player has been cut during tournament play.
