The Open 2023: R&A open to Saudi investment

R&A open to Saudi Investment.

R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers has revealed that the R&A would consider entering into a partnership with the Saudi Public Investment Fund [PIF].

Speaking on the eve of The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Slumbers admitted that R&A would now be open to investment from the Saudis following news of the PIF’s shock deal with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

“We have a number of large corporate partners that help us make this thing happen,” said Slumbers. “I think the world has changed in the last year. It’s not just golf. You’re seeing it in football. You’re seeing it in F1. You’re seeing it in cricket. I’m sure tennis won’t be that far behind.

“The world of sport has changed dramatically in the last 12 months, and it is not feasible for the R&A or golf to just ignore what is a societal change on a global basis. We will be considering within all the parameters that we look at all the options that we have.”

Slumbers’ stance represents a remarkable U-turn, given he was highly critical this time last year about the Saudi investment into LIV Golf. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of PIF, is expected to be in attendance at Hoylake as a guest of a corporate partner.

Slumbers believes a “sensible conversation” still needs to be had regarding the long-term financial stability of the game, and conceded that the R&A faces a “significant challenge” to remain financially sustainable after accelerating its plan to grow prize funds.

“We had expected prize money to rise over a five-year period, and it’s probably risen three years earlier than we expected it to, so there is a significant change,” said Slumbers.

“I think you’re seeing the change in the entire business model of men’s professional golf, it being able to be worked, and that’s a significant challenge for us when you take into account our desire to keep growing the game and investing all the proceeds we make into the game.”

The winner of this week’s Open will receive a record winner’s cheque for $3 million from a total prize fund of $16.5 million, which is still the smallest purse of all four Majors. By comparison, the USGA put up $20 million for the US Open, which is on par with most of the designated events on the PGA Tour.

During his pre-tournament briefing, Slumbers reiterated that The Open would not be returning to Trump Turnberry anytime soon and also dismissed suggestions that the R&A may consider adding Royal Porthcawl to the rota.

The Welsh course is set to host the Senior Open Championship later this month, but Slumbers said they do not have the land, nor infrastructure, to host an event as big as The Open Championship. This week 260,000 fans are expected to be in attendance at Hoylake, which is a record outside of the 150^th Open at St Andrews.

Looking ahead to next year, the R&A chief announced that the first-ever African Amateur Championship will take place at Leopard Creek in South Africa, from February 21-24. The 72-hole strokeplay event, which will be broadcast by streaming platform SuperSport, will feature a field of 72 men with the winner securing a place in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon in Scotland.

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About the author

Michael Catling
Features Editor

Michael Catling is Today’s Golfer‘s Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

A former member of Ufford Park and Burghley Park, Michael has been playing golf since he was 11 and currently plays off a handicap of 10.

Away from golf he’s a keen amateur chef and has his own healthy recipes website. He also loves playing squash, going to the gym, and following Chelsea FC.

Michael uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, Ping G Crossover 3-iron, Ping G Series irons (4-PW), Ping Glide wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), TaylorMade MySpider Tour Putter, and Srixon AD333 golf ball.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on Twitter.