# Tiger Woods Under Fire: Controversial Meeting with Saudi Fund Sparks Outrage Among 9/11 Families

# Tiger Woods Under Fire: Controversial Meeting with Saudi Fund Sparks Outrage Among 9/11 Families

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash, Tiger Woods was part of a PGA Tour delegation that convened with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) in New York on Tuesday, just one day before the somber 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This meeting has drawn sharp criticism from families of the victims, who have labeled the discussions as “disgusting” and disrespectful.

The Timing of the Meeting Raises Eyebrows

Woods, alongside other PGA Tour representatives, engaged in talks with the PIF, which is a key player in the ongoing disputes between the PGA Tour and the controversial LIV Golf league. The timing of this meeting has raised significant concerns, especially given that 15 of the 19 hijackers in the 2001 terrorist attacks were Saudi nationals. While the Saudi government has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks, the implications of such a meeting, so close to a national day of mourning, have not gone unnoticed.

Voices of Dissent: 9/11 Families Respond

Brett Eagleson, president of the advocacy group 9/11 Justice, voiced strong condemnation of Woods’s involvement in the discussions. He expressed his outrage, stating, “Tomorrow, we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Yet here we are today, in New York City, down the street from Ground Zero, and the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods are negotiating with them.” Eagleson highlighted the painful irony of the situation, given the sensitive historical context.

He further emphasized the distress felt by families who lost loved ones in the attacks, calling the meeting “disgusting, unacceptable, and incredibly painful.” This sentiment echoes previous criticisms aimed at the PGA Tour’s partnership with the Saudi-backed fund, which many see as an unsettling shift from their earlier stance on the Saudi government’s human rights record.

The PGA Tour’s Controversial Path

This is not the first time the PGA Tour has faced scrutiny over its relationship with the Saudi fund. The partnership discussions have been fraught with tension since they were first announced over a year ago. Eagleson remarked on the perceived hypocrisy of the PGA Tour executives, noting that many who once criticized Saudi Arabia’s actions have now become business partners with the very entity they condemned.

As the negotiations continue, the PGA Tour aims to secure significant investments from the PIF into its newly established for-profit division, PGA Tour Enterprises. This has created a complex web of financial interests that some argue compromises the integrity of the sport.

Insights from PGA Tour Leadership

In the wake of the ongoing controversy, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan provided an update on the negotiations. He stated, “You look at where we are right now, we’re in regular dialogue, we have the right people at the table with the right mindset.” Monahan expressed optimism about the discussions, suggesting that productive conversations could lead to beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.

However, he acknowledged the intricacies of the negotiations, emphasizing that they will require time and careful consideration. “These conversations are complex, they’re going to take time,” he said, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead.

 

### Conclusion: A Divisive Moment in Golf History

 

The clash between Tiger Woods’s actions and the sentiments of 9/11 families has highlighted a profound moral and ethical dilemma facing professional sports today. As the PGA Tour seeks to navigate its financial future amidst ongoing controversies, the voices of those affected by past tragedies serve as a poignant reminder of the deeper implications of such corporate relationships. As this story unfolds, the intersection of sports, politics, and human rights remains a critical point of discussion for fans and stakeholders alike.