The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event will begin Thursday with players such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and other notable names joining the company.
To preview the third day’s event, the circuit held an opening press conference on Tuesday at the Centurion Golf Club in St. Louis. Albans, England.
Johnson resigned from the PGA Tour. Players of the 48-person course were asked about the LIV Golf funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and its role in the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamaal Khashoggi, among other atrocities.
Below are some highlights from the press conference, which included brief explanations and the withdrawal of journalists.
EXCLUSION: Dustin Johnson resigns from PGA Tour membership to play in Saudi league
“I’ll be there:” Mickelson is scheduled to play at the U.S. Open, all events in the LIV Golf Invitational series
Graeme McDowell: “Very difficult question”
According to ESPN, McDowell was one of the lone golfers who answered a question about working on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
“I wish I had the ability to have that conversation with you,” McDowell said. “You know, I think as golfers, if we tried to cure geopolitical situations in every country in the world where we play golf, we wouldn’t play much. It’s a very difficult question to answer. You know, we’re just here to focus on golf and when it comes to the world for role models who these guys are and who we are, and yes, it is a very difficult question to address.
“I mean, this has been incredibly polarizing. I think we all agree, Kashoggi’s situation, which was reprehensible.”
Talor Gooch: “I’m not that smart”
Asked about participating in “sports washing” (using sports to present a disinfected version of a political regime or operation), Talor Gooch said this:
“I don’t think it’s fair,” he said via ESPN. “Also … I’m a golfer. I’m not that smart. I’m trying to hit a golf ball in a small hole. Golf is hard enough. I’m trying to worry about golf, and I’m excited about this week. “
The story goes on
Kevin Na is confident he can play in the Ryder Cup
From now on, players must be members of the PGA Tour to play in the Ryder Cup. By participating in LIV Golf, you run the risk of being banned from playing with an unpunished competitor.
Kevin Na believes this will not be reduced, however. “Honestly, I don’t think it will happen.”
Your thinking?
“The rules can be changed,” he said.
Dustin Johnson resigns from PGA Tour
Will Dustin Johnson be allowed to play in the U.S. Open later this month?
Although McDowell chose not to give up the PGA Tour yet, Johnson took the precautionary step.
“I’m excited about (LIV),” he said. “Obviously the Ryder Cup is amazing and something that has meant a lot to me. … I hope I get a chance to do it again, but I don’t make the rules.”
Reporter retired before returning
According to ESPN, Associated Press reporter Rob Harris was fired after a LIV spokesman cut him off while trying to answer a question. Players began marching when LIV officials reprimanded the journalist for not being “courteous.”
Security brought Harris out after that. Harris was able to return to the media center about 10 minutes later, according to ESPN.
Ari Fleischer leads the LIV Golf press conference
The presenter of the press conference was former White House Press Secretary and Fox News contributor Ari Fleischer.
The spokesman remained at the same level as the players and demanded that he square his work with LIV Golf compared to his previous Twitter posts criticizing the government.
Fleischer also does media consulting for the College Football Playoff.
Contributor: Associated Press
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Golf Invitation Series LIV: Press Conference Warm Up