In the past few months, the golfers who’ve chosen to join LIV Golf have faced extreme criticism by media, fans and fellow players.
The fact that the money is being sourced by the Saudi Government has been one of the main points of contention as well as the fact the events feel like more of an exhibition than a professional golf event.
However, one of the other criticisms that have been echoed quite often is the lack of honesty of those who have joined LIV Golf. Many have claimed their reason for joining was to “grow the game” or for a new and unique experience. Even those who have been supportive of LIV would have a hard time claiming that those were the most influential factors of those who’ve left.
David Feherty, who made his LIV Golf debut at Trump Bedminster two weeks ago isn’t among those who are sugarcoating their reasons for joining the Saudi-backed golf series.
In a recent interview with Gary Koch, the eccentric TV personality admitted money was his primary motivator when asked by the host why he made the move:
“Money. People don’t talk about it. I hear, ‘Well, it’s to grow the game. Bullsh*t. They paid me a lot of money.”
Feherty also expressed that the opportunity to be himself again was another reason he was excited to join LIV.
“It was an opportunity to be myself again,” he said. “It’s become more and more difficult, especially in sports broadcasting, to have any kind of character. Charles Barkley can say pretty much anything he wants, because it’s, ‘Oh, that’s just Charles.’ And it is just Charles. But I have become more and more guarded over the last few years.”
As for critics who Feherty feels are ‘hoping to be offended by something’, Feherty did not mince his words, saying:
“There are people waiting around every corner hoping to be offended by something. F*** those people. Our lives are being shaped by small groups of mean-spirited people who have no sense of humor. We’re in danger of losing our national sense of humor because of this.”
Feherty was also asked about the source of the money and Saudi Arabia’s ties to 9/11.
“The 9 /11 Commission said that the Saudi government wasn’t involved,” the 63-year-old said.
“People that criticize are doing business with China, doing business with Russia. China, in particular, is a country where they’re murdering Uyghurs left, right, and centre, and their human rights record is horrendous.
“You can point to various countries throughout the world. I wouldn’t want to behave like that, but wherever golf is, good happens, and I’m hoping this will do the same thing. [LIV] has said it’s going to donate $100 million to area charities.”