*Photograph: Arthur Ellis
ORGANISERS of the controversial LIV Golf International Series know Doonbeg is “an option” as a potential venue, the Trump family have said.
Funded by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the LIV Series has become one of the most controversial sporting events of recent times. Golfers who have signed up to the Saudi-backed breakaway series have come under fire. The name LIV is a reference to the Roman numeral for 54, the score if every hole on a par-72 course were birdied and the number of holes to be played at LIV events.
In August, The Clare Echo reported that Trump Doonbeg was touted as a potential venue for the LIV Golf International Series.
Greg Norman who is the face and CEO of LIV Golf designed the Doonbeg course in 2002 on 400 acres of breath-taking coastline. He remains determined to take the series to Doonbeg and has the backing of the Trump family to do so.
Speaking in West Clare, Eric Trump insisted there was “no question” that Doonbeg’s course was a standard suitable for tour events. He confirmed that they had spoken “indirectly” to LIV on the matter.
“They know it is an option and we would love to have them over here. I think this course is incredibly well suited for them if they ever chose to come over,” he told The Irish Times.
Eric who runs the family’s golf interests said they would “certainly be open” to the links course hosting a LIV event. “They have been fantastic for the game of golf. They have gone in and put a tremendous amount of excitement and energy into golf”.
