LIV Golf’s controversial, Saudi-backed tour comes to Rich Harvest Farms in Kane County

SUGAR GROVE, In poor health. (WLS) — Wealthy Harvest Farms golf course in Kane County is internet hosting knowledgeable golf match this weekend.

But it surely’s not the PGA, it is the brand new LIV Golf Sequence. It is surrounded by controversy as a result of it is financed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

A number of the large title golfers have already cashed large checks for becoming a member of the LIV Golf tour. The large cash payouts and the tour’s ties to Saudi Arabia and its human rights abuses have made the brand new collection controversial. However there was little speak of that on Thursday.

Golf legend Phil Mickelson was noticed carrying shorts and having fun with the pro-am on the Wealthy Harvest Golf Membership. He is not wanting again at his choice to hitch the tour.

“When you decide that you already know is true, that you already know is in the most effective curiosity long-term, it is simple to face up to any criticism,” Mickelson mentioned.

That is the primary cease in Chicago for the brand new LIV Golf tour. It has drawn controversy since its inception, together with criticism from human rights teams as a result of it is financed by Saudi Arabia.

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The tour has given enormous bonuses to plenty of prime PGA gamers – and the PGA has banned them in response. However that did not cease younger autograph seekers.

“This the most effective for him,” mentioned Kinzie Farrell, who introduced her son to the match. “He’ll be speaking about all of it night time. For the remainder of his life.”

Jerry Wealthy constructed the personal course years in the past and was instrumental in bringing the match to the Chicago space. It is often called one of the vital stunning – and troublesome – programs within the Midwest. Wealthy mentioned he isn’t fearful about controversy.

“It is all about golf,” Wealthy mentioned. “Chicago is a superb golf neighborhood and so they’ll all be on the market to observe. With all the opposite nonsense occurring you, simply gotta get away from it and luxuriate in golf.”

The tour operates in another way than the PGA. The sphere of gamers is smaller, they play three days as a substitute of 4, and there’s no reduce. However they play for large cash. The professional-am is drawing plenty of golf followers anxious to play with the professionals, in addition to some retired athletes, like Blackhawks middle Jeremy Roenick.

“It is nice to assist promote one thing perhaps not lots of people like, however folks do not perceive sports activities as a lot as any person like I do, so it is good to be right here,” Roenick mentioned.

Beginning Friday morning, the sector of 48 professionals will take over for 3 rounds. They’re set as much as accommodate an enormous crowd, and tickets are nonetheless accessible.