The Saudi-backed LIV Golf league has announced that it will return to the Trump family’s Doral resort in April, indicating that business deals with the Saudi government financing are likely to continue under the new presidency. The tournament at the Trump National Doral near Miami is the fourth consecutive year that LIV has scheduled an event at the venue.
LIV Golf pays the Trump family for using their golf courses and also attracts thousands of fans to the resort, filling hotels and guest rooms during the several-day event. This increases the international profile of over a dozen Trump family-owned golf resorts worldwide.
The Doral tournament will be the first LIV event hosted by the Trump company after President Donald Trump returns to office, following his initial term in 2023. Other signs point to continued business with Middle East-based companies during his presidency, including deals with Saudi-based real-estate firm Dar Al Arkan, announced by Eric Trump.
Mr. Trump has previously defended ties to Saudi Arabia and the kingdom’s interest in golf as an investment in sports, while downplaying human rights concerns. The league’s return to Doral signals that business relationships with the Saudi government will likely persist under his leadership.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/us/politics/liv-golf-tournament-trump-doral-resort.html