[ad_1]
NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — For all the controversy surrounding LIV Golf — the Saudi-funded series is bankrolled by a country known to traffic in terrorism and human rights abuses, its creation has infuriated the PGA Tour and its players, all while putting the majors in a tough spot — fans don’t seem to care much.
In fact, they argue, the PGA Tour, and all major sporting events and leagues for that matter, could learn a thing or two from LIV.
“Beers are cheap here, only $5!” exclaimed Benjamin Beecher of Tacoma, Washington, who drove south about two hours for the organization’s first-ever U.S. event. “I’ll pay $70 to drink $5 beers and watch big-time pro golfers and I don’t give a (expletive) who’s selling the tickets.”
Beecher’s attitude was echoed by multiple fans who spoke to USA TODAY Sports Thursday during the first day of play at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, located 20 miles West of downtown Portland.
Is LIV’s primary source of money problematic? Absolutely, they said. But doesn’t everyone — organizations, corporations and politicians on both sides of the aisle — have ties to something that make you uncomfortable?
“The only difference with this is, it’s more transparent,” said Daniel Freauf, who lives in Salem, 45 minutes south of Portland. He drove up with his wife Charlotte and their three children, including a 1-month old newborn. “Lots of people try to grandstand, but the reality is, we all pay taxes and your taxes sometimes go to other countries that help them build bombs. We are all complicit in it in some way. And I want to watch Phil Mickelson play.”
Phil Mickelson watches his drive on the fourth hole during the first round of the LIV Golf tournament at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not all bad either, they insisted, as his kids picked grass and giggled at a ball that went flying toward the crowd.
“There are changing stations and nursing stations here, everything is clean…
[ad_2]
Source : yahoo
