A human rights activist has written an open to the LPGA commissioner, board of directors and players to urge them not to work with the LIV Golf Series. Earlier this year, LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan admitted she would 'engage' with LIV CEO Greg Norman over possibly working with the Saudi-backed series.
This week some of golf's biggest female stars will compete in the Aramco Team Series in New York, another tournament receiving Saudi funding. Whilst that plays out some of the sport's most recognised male players will be competing on the breakaway circuit, as it makes the trip to the Saudi capital Jeddah.
Following LIV's maiden season in the male game, there has been some speculation that the Saudi-funded series could one day branch out into women's golf also.
Amid yet another controversial week in golf though, activist Lina Alhathloul has called for the LPGA to steer well clear of the the breakaway circuit due to the dismal human rights record of the Middle Eastern state. The letter wrote: "The general situation for women in Saudi Arabia has not improved, as the Saudi narrative suggests.
"In reality, the male guardianship system is far from dismantled. Over the past few years, the Saudi authorities have lifted some of the restrictions women face under the country's male guardianship system. Still, the legal framework that treats adult women as minors continues to affect all aspects of women's lives negatively and severely restricts their fundamental liberties.
"'Disobedience' by a woman towards her male guardian (father, husband, brother, or even son) also remains a crime, effectively rendering her new freedoms null and void if her male guardian objects.
"I understand that you might believe that your involvement with such a country could positively impact their fate but, given the present context, your participation in events hosted by the Crown Prince will only help rehabilitate him and cover up all the violations.
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"In fact, I am sounding the alarm on the consequences of such actions. I urge you to consider the human rights aspect of your potential involvement with LIV Golf and use your influence to positively raise the situation of women in the country and to publicly distance yourself from the Saudi regime."
The letter comes after English LPGA star Charley Hull revealed last week that her and her fellow players would be 'mad not to consider' linking up with LIV Golf if the opportunity arose. Hull told Sky Sports: "I haven't heard anything yet but, at the end of the day, you'd be mad not to consider it. However, I am happy with the LPGA Tour and everyone there."
