R&A held SECRET TALKS with LIV Golf boss at The Open confirms shock report

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers held secret talks with LIV Golf boss and Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at The Open.

Andy Roberts

24 Jul 2023

R&A held SECRET TALKS with LIV Golf boss at The Open confirms shock report

Already set up with LIV Golf and on the verge of a shock merger with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly now going after the R&A.

According to a report in Telegraph Sport by James Corrigan, Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and his key associate Amanda Staveley are said to have met with R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers shortly before Brian Harman etched his name on the famous Claret Jug at the 151st Open Championship on Sunday.

It is understood Al-Rumayyan and Staveley, who also run Newcastle United Football Club, were invited to attend the final round of The Open at Royal Liverpool by HSBC, one of the primary sponsors of the R&A.

When LIV Golf first emerged on the scene little more than 12 months ago, the R&A refused to entertain any ideas of a partnership with Saudi Arabia.

But fast forward to the present day and it would appear as though the R&A, the custodian of the game's values, is ready to explore how Saudi's wealth can be put to best use both for themselves and its myriad investments in grassroots golf.

Corrigan writes in Telegraph Sport:

"The R&A confirmed the meeting but would not give details of the discussion.

"However, it is understood it was more symbolic than substantive, with Slumbers – like the other bosses of the majors – waiting to see what emerges from the merger negotiations between the respective parties.

"In a groundbreaking moment and as the drama was unfolding, Slumbers attended a private box to have talks with Al-Rumayyan and Staveley. This marked the first time in the LIV saga that Al-Rumayyan had been welcomed into the inner sanctum of the majors."

The latest update makes even more sense after listening to what Slumbers had to say in the media centre prior to the start of The Open last week.

The boss of the R&A told reporters on 19 July the governing body simply cannot continue to ignore the changes that have been made in world sport.

Slumbers, 53, said the power struggle between the PGA Tour and LIV was 'tearing golf apart' and the constant talk of money was 'damaging the perception of our sport worldwide in the eyes of a number of young people'.

"I think the world has changed in the last year," he said when asked if The Open would accept cash from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). "It's not just golf."

He continued:

"You're seeing it in football. You're seeing it in F1. You're seeing it in cricket. I'm sure tennis won't be that far behind.

"The world of sport has changed dramatically in the last 12 months, and it is not feasible for the R&A or golf to just ignore what is a societal change on a global basis. We will be considering within all the parameters that we look at all the options that we have."

Slumbers also addressed the "complex problem" surrounding LIV Golf's OWGR bid.

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