News

Henrik Stenson Wins On Debut In LIV Golf Event Hosted By Trump

Playing in front of former President Donald Trump, Henrik Stenson won his first LIV Golf title on debut Sunday at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. After the event, Stenson said that he felt more focused following his controversial departure from the Ryder Cup late last month.

“I think there might have been a little extra bit of motivation this week,’’ Stenson said. “And when we as players have that, it can bring out some good stuff. That’s been a bit of a theme — when I really want something, I manage to dig a little bit deeper and make something happen.”

LIV Golf has drawn criticism from multiple sources in the U.S. and Europe due to its Saudi backers’  human rights record, which includes unfair trials, arbitrary deportations, abuse of women, politically motivated assassinations and other malicious acts. But Trump has continually supported the series and hosted the event at his course. His prominent appearance last weekend, during which he repeatedly used items bearing the U.S. presidential seal, served as a direct endorsement of the Saudi Arabian golf organization.

Back in March, Stenson said that he was “thrilled and excited” to be named the European captain for the Ryder Cup, but in recent weeks, the Swedish golfer has relinquished that prestigious path for a more profitable — and divisive — career in the LIV Golf series. After signing a $40 million contract, the 43-year-old won another $4 million for taking the event at Bedminster.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Stenson received a congratulatory handshake from Trump after the event, and Donald Trump Jr. took to Twitter to claim the golfer’s victory as a win against critics of LIV Golf.

Following his departure from the White House, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and Trump Jr.’s brother-in-law, received a $2 billion investment in his new private equity firm from the Private Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia which established LIV Golf. Kushner and his firm are currently under investigation.

Stenson’s actual performance, in which he held off Matthew Wolff in the late stages to win, was tangential to the political ramifications of the event. Stenson is one of many top golfers who have left other tours for lucrative paydays in the Saudi-funded breakaway series. Many officials in golf and government have condemned their involvement, claiming that LIV is “Saudi-washing” golf in a larger effort to conceal severe human rights violations in the Middle East.

Patrick Moquin

Recent Posts

Diontae Johnson Excited To Move From Panthers To Ravens, Could Help In Playoff Push

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly settling in well with the Baltimore Ravens after the…

12 hours ago

What Happened To Aaron Judge? After Yankees Fall Short In World Series, Fans Are Asking Questions

Aaron Judge seemed to flip the script on his disastrous World Series and postseason with…

12 hours ago

As The Yankees Collapse In World Series, Free Agency Battle For Juan Soto Begins

The New York Yankees' 2024 season came to a screeching halt Wednesday night when the…

2 days ago

Dodgers Win World Series In Game 5, Yankees Blow Five-Run Lead In Disastrous Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win…

2 days ago

Brad Pitt Makes Surprise Appearance At Mexican Grand Prix To Shoot His Movie, ‘F1’

https://youtu.be/Y69VZZt9rt4 Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance at the Mexican Grand Prix’s practice round on Oct. 26.…

2 days ago

76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to…

3 days ago