LIV Golf Tournament 2023: Controversial league to play at Trump National Club in Sterling
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (7News) — As the LIV Golf Tournament begins in Loudoun County, Virginia, reactions are mixed. Some call it a provocative and controversial event, others are excited to have pro golf back in the D.C. area.
It is being played this weekend at the stunning Trump National Golf Club and with the Pro-Am being held Thursday. Why controversial? Well LIV is financed by Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund, and it has been accused of providing support to those who attacked the U.S. on September 11. That nation has denied any involvement.
Former President Donald Trump was spotted at the golf club Thursday morning -- there are rumors that former President Donald Trump might not only attend but might participate.
The upstart league itself is known for its unique and unorthodox style, from its team play, shotgun starts to 54 holes, instead of the typical 72 in the PGA.
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And some of the game's biggest names have made the switch to LIV including six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, and U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau. All 3 are here in Washington this weekend.
“Yeah, I've been out there once. It's a fantastic property, great place, people are great, hospitality is great. You know when you go to a place like that, you're going to get great service, so I'm looking forward to it,” said DeChambeau.
The cheapest tickets are $40 grounds passes for Friday or a three-day package is available for $120. The scenery here is quite breathtaking with holes running next to the Potomac River.
The Saudi Arabian-financed golf league with its deep pockets is bringing a $25 million purse but with that also comes plenty of controversy for this new league. Players and organizers of LIV have received strong criticism over their ties to the Saudi Arabian government which is accused of committing human rights abuses for many years, including the death of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
The CEO of the league is former golf great Greg Norman. When asked recently about the criticism he said the Middle Eastern nation is taking great leaps to change its culture adding “we all make mistakes.”
For those interested in attending the prestigious tournament, there will be no general parking at the tournament site, Lowes Island Boulevard, or in the surrounding neighborhood. All parking for the event will be off-site and visitors will ride shuttle buses to the golf course. The buses will transport spectators from Dulles Town Center to the course. With the 2023 PGA Championship concluded, Brooks Koepka will now join 47 other world-class players at LIV Golf DC. For more information on parking, go here.
Fan festivities begin on Friday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. local time when gates open to welcome guests of all ages to the variety of unique activations on site. Youths 12 years and under receive complimentary admission to the tournament as do active-duty military and veterans, in addition to a guest.
LIV Golf DC Schedule
Times are subject to change. Public gates open Friday
Wed, 5/24: Practice Round, Presser(s)
Thur, 5/25: Pro-Am Round, Presser(s)
Fri, 5/26: R1 - 1:15 p.m. ET Shotgun
Sat, 5/27: R2 - 1:15 p.m. ET Shotgun
Sun, 5/28: R3 - 1:15 p.m. ET Shotgun
U.S. Broadcast - CW Network
Friday: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET (App only)
Saturday: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET (TV & App)
Sunday: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET (TV & App)
