The Royal and Ancient is in talks with the Saudi government to jointly promote golf projects in Arabia. The news has been revealed by the British tabloid The Guardian and includes words from an unidentified spokesperson confirming the negotiations. “Saudi Golf is a national association affiliated with the R&A and discussions are being held about our support for possible development projects,” he assures.
The Royal and Ancient is the institution that organises the Open Championship, drafts and ensures compliance with the rules and is considered one of the guarantors of the sport of golf. Along with the USGA, it is undoubtedly the most important and influential body in the world of golf. Obviously, a Saudi association with the Royal and Ancient would serve to provide more visibility and legitimacy to the PIF, the Public Investment Fund of Arabia, the main and sole responsible for the launch of LIV Golf. Petrodollar money continues to break down doors, despite the fact that part of public opinion is against these associations.
According to information appeared in The Guardian, sources from the R&A insist that there are no plans for the PIF to offer countermeasures. However, many doubt this, as the R&A is looking for funding not only for its grassroots projects, but also for the prize money of its tournaments. The Open paid $16.5 million to participants in 2023, and the Women’s British Open $9 million.
Martin Slumbers himself opened the door to a possible Saudi investment in the institution based at the Old Course in St Andrews. “The world of sport has changed radically in the last 12 months and it is not feasible for the R&A or golf to simply ignore what is a global social change. We will consider within the parameters that we look at all the options we have.”
In this sense, for those who find it difficult to understand that a society like the Royal and Ancient associates for money with the Saudi government, it is enough to remember that the Open Championship was the only Major golf tournament that was not held in 2020, the year of Covid. In return, the Royal and Ancient received a significant sum of money from an insurance policy.
Slumbers played with Yassir Al Rumayyan, the main person responsible for the PIF, in the past Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, a fact that already sparked rumours about possible talks and negotiations for the future. Let’s not forget, in the same way, that the Royal and Ancient is also one of the institutions with the most weight and decision-making capacity in the world ranking.
