PGA Tour Exposes LIV Golf’s Internal Code Name in Its ‘Plan to Disrupt Professional Golf’

The long-going rivalry between the PGA tour and LIV golf has shown recent development, which does not look good. The PGA tour has exposed the strategies of the Saudi-backed circuit of destroying the American tour. But how far are the claims valid?

In the motion filed by the PGA tour on Friday, they claimed that PIF plays an essential role in the circuit. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund oversees day-to-day operations at LIV and hires new golfers, notes Greg Norman. They are also coming up with a new project named, ‘Project Wedge.’

According to the motion filed, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund, Al-Rumayyan, serves as LIV’s chief executive. He has routine meetings with Greg Norman. Al-Rumayyan approves LIV’s budget, makes critical strategic decisions, and participates in player recruitment in the United States. According to the American golf circuit, he is also micro-managing LIV’s everyday operations. So far, PIF has reportedly put $2 billion into LIV’s activities.

Let’s find out the facts.

What is the new strategy of LIV Golf?

The PGA Tour also states LIV’s strategy to conquer the sport. According to the motion filed, PIF has hired Teneo Strategy, LLC, a multinational consulting, strategy, and communications business with locations worldwide, including Abu Dhabi.

Unsurprisingly, Teneo has strong connections to senior government officials, including Speaker Paul Ryan and Senators Chris Dodd and George Mitchell.

In the motion, the American tour stated the strategy that PIF hired, Teneo Strategy, to develop new markets and business opportunities. They are also focusing on ‘Project Wedge,’ which fosters transformation in the sport. The Teneo, LLC, is a New York City-based company registered under the Foreign Agency Registration Act. The motion read, “While Teneo’s contract makes no mention of LIV, ‘Project Wedge’ is PIF’s internal designation for its plan to disrupt professional golf and compete with the Tour via LIV.”

The details mentioned above are in the tour’s filings, exhibit number 40. It also provides a copy of the service agreement between PIF and Teneo. According to the details, the agreement’s effective date was January 21, 2022. The agreed-upon price is $2,700,000, paid in 12 monthly installments of $225,000.

Are a few motions redacted?

According to the reports, some of the PGA Tour’s filing has been redacted at LIV Golf’s request. Not just that, but many of the 44 exhibits have been sealed. If we talk about the paragraph of the tour’s motion that has been redacted, it includes information about Norman and LIV. It states that Mr. Al-Rumayyan’s supervision of LIV is consistent with PIF’s internal classification of Mr. Norman as a (redacted) for LIV.

However, the unredacted sections indicate the effect of the demands of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods during a recent press conference. They wished that LIV fired Norman, but if it came true, it would not have much impact because PIF and Al-Rumayyan are ultimately in charge.

Watch this story- ‘Embarrassing’ LIV Golf Revelation Overshadows Million Dollar Happy Ending as Fans Throw Jabs at Greg Norman’s Tour

What are your thoughts about the claims by the PGA? Do you agree with the American tour, or do you have a different approach? Let us know in the comments below.