LIV Golf have asked Newcastle director Amanda Staveley to help end end a bitter feud with fierce rivals at the PGA Tour.
The Saudi-backed tour has caused havoc in the golfing landscape since its establishment back in 2021. A number of players have switched allegiances to take part, decisions that have been met with severe criticism.
That has seen a feud between the two tours break out. PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh has been an outspoken critic by claiming that the Saudi-backed LIV is not sustainable. Speaking to The Times, he said: “Their logic about the team play being something significant that people can get behind I think is flawed.
"I don’t think people really care about it. And I don’t see how it’s a survivable business model.
“They can fund it for as long as they want to, but no matter how much money you have, at some point burning it doesn’t feel very good. I don’t see they are accomplishing much.
“It seems logical to me, then, that you would work towards some sort of agreement. I hope the game comes back together in some form.”
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Now, it appears that LIV are trying to smooth over some of the tensions. It has been claimed that they have turned to Newcastle director Staveley as a peace-keeper.
She has been a prominent figure at St James’ Park over the past few seasons after playing a pivotal role in the club’s Saudi-backed takeover. It has been claimed that Staveley attended the Masters in Augusta last month but it is unclear at this stage whether her efforts have garnered any rewards.
The Newcastle chief has close links to LIV with Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan also the governor of the Saudi Investment Fund - the backers of the tour itself. Amid the bitter feud between the two, Charles Howell III has claimed that he feels “rejuvenated” after turning his back on the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I had 23 years on the PGA Tour, and I feel kind of rejuvenated to come out here [to LIV]. It's a bit of a new life and a second wind. Being around all the young guys, all the young guys out here, pushes me.”
Elsewhere, Staveley’s impact at Premier League side Newcastle cannot be understated. Since playing a key role in the club’s takeover in October 2021, the club’s new owners have spent heavily.
That led them to Premier League safety last term whilst Eddie Howe ’s men are embroiled in a fight to earn a place in the Champions League this term. They also reached the Carabao Cup final only to be defeated by Manchester United.
