In the summer, the Welsh Government discussed the possibility of hosting the controversial LIV Golf series in Wales. According to documents obtained by WalesOnline, representatives from the Welsh government met with representatives from the global golf franchise this summer to discuss holding the competition for the first time in Wales.

Documents released following a freedom of information request to the Welsh Government show emails exchanged in June between officials at the Welsh Government’s Department for Culture, Tourism and Sport and the PR agency representing LIV Golf about the event in Celtic Manor in Newport, which took Ryder in. World Cup in 2010.

LIV Golf launched as a professional golf circuit in 2022 and featured big names like Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Jon Rahm. It has generated controversy because it is financially backed by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s state-controlled wealth fund, with assets of around £538 billion. Some criticized the trip as an attempt by the Saudi monarchy, which has been linked to human rights allegations. human rights abuses, to improve their public image through sport, which is known as “sports washing”, which has been denied.

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Emails from June 2023 show that PR representatives and management company Performance54, acting on behalf of LIV Golf, emailed Celtic Manor and Welsh Government officials and discussed requirements for the event to take place at Wales, as well as proposing a meeting in London. to discuss the matter further. In an email response, a Welsh government representative asks Performance54 about the amount of investment needed to host the LIV Golf tournament, adding: “I don’t want to waste your time if it’s not for us.”

Another email from a Welsh Government Culture, Sport and Tourism official to Performance54 representatives, dated 11 August, mentions a meeting the day before and expresses interest in hosting LIV Golf in Wales in 2026. It says: “It was amazing”. meet you yesterday. As discussed, if there is interest in hosting a LIV event at Wales, Celtic Manor, in 2026, we would be happy to have further discussions, but we agree that given the calendar of events and our limited budget, it is best to have these discussions as soon as possible. as soon as possible. ASAP.”

When asked about the emails and whether LIV Golf could be held in Wales in the future, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We remain open to discussions about holding important and exciting events in Wales. “As with previous high-profile international sporting events held in Wales, any discussions will involve full engagement with partners, an assessment of potential costs and benefits and consideration of a detailed technical specification.”

The LIV Golf League 2024 currently features 14 tournaments around the world in countries including the USA, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain and the UK at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire.

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