Golf chief apologises after holding talks with Saudis in New York on 9/11 anniversary

Guy Kinnings, the chief executive of the DP World Tour, has issued an apology for holding meetings with representatives of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) on September 11 in New York, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The talks were part of ongoing efforts to resolve tensions between the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour, and LIV Golf, which is backed by the Saudi PIF.

However, the timing of the meeting drew backlash from families of 9/11 victims, with some calling it “tone deaf.” Kinnings acknowledged the upset caused by the scheduling, stating that while the meeting was unintentional, it was regrettable, and he extended his deepest sympathies to those affected.

Kinnings emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in professional golf, but admitted that the date was a significant oversight. “There was no intention to show any disrespect,” he said, underscoring that the negotiations aimed to benefit the sport.

The meeting occurred as part of broader discussions to reconcile LIV Golf with the traditional tours. The controversy comes at a sensitive time as golf’s governing bodies work towards a peace agreement amidst increasing scrutiny from players and external stakeholders, with no formal deal yet in sight.