Lee Westwood has pointed towards Newcastle United in defence of his decision to join the controversial Saudi Golf League. Similar to the European Super League fiasco that threatened to decimate professional football, the Public Investment Fund - who own an 80% stake in the Magpies - have created their own breakaway tournament.
Entrants to the tournament risk being permanently banned from the PGA Tour - a consequence that has seen many already distance themselves from the competition. Critics have labelled PIF’s lavish league as the latest incarnation of sportswashing used to justify the country’s poor human rights record.
Westwood remains the most high-profile golfer signed up to the Saudi Golf League and has highlighted Newcastle’s takeover and Formula One as means to take the heat off his back.
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He told Sky Sports: "We've played the European Tour in Saudi Arabia and I've had releases from the PGA Tour to say I can play in Saudi Arabia, so it has been no problem to them in previous years.
"Formula One raced there. Newcastle United are owned partly by people from Saudi Arabia. There has been boxing there and I think there has been snooker and darts there as well.
"Golf's not the first sport to have links with Saudi Arabia, but it seems to be coming under more scrutiny than anyone else. Whether you think that's right or not is the individual's opinion.
"I think Saudi Arabia obviously know they've got issues. I think lots of countries around the world have got issues and I think they're trying to improve. They're trying to do it through sport, which a lot of places, a lot of countries do.”
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