Report: LIV backers want to buy two prestigious UK golf clubs

The Saudi Arabian backers of LIV Golf are reportedly targeting the purchase of two of the most prestigious golf clubs in the UK.

The Daily Mail reports that while interest from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) remains high in Wentworth Golf Club, the headquarters of the DP World Tour in Surrey, the Saudis could also target Centurion Golf Club in Hemel Hempstead.

Both would prove significant moves in the Saudi bid to gain control over two of the most distinguished courses in the south of England.

A Saudi deal for Wentworth, however, would be especially seismic.

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Wentworth are the hosts of the DP World Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, and its Chinese owners, the Reignwood Group have insisted the club is not for sale under any circumstances.

After English pro Eddie Pepperell caused a stir on The Chipping Forecast podcast by claiming someone had told him “PIF are buying Wentworth”, the owners quickly moved to shut down rumours of an imminent sale.

“Wentworth Club is not for sale,” a Wentworth spokesperson said back in November. “There have been numerous expressions of interests in buying Wentworth post COVID, but Reignwood is committed to its position of long-term investment in the asset.”

However, the Mail adds that the Saudis have not been perturbed and are instead stepping up plans to buy the club, first purchased by Reignwood Investments for more than £130 million back in 2014.

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This is not the first time that a prospective change in Wentworth’s ownership has hit the headlines this month.

According to the Telegraph, members have been growing increasingly frustrated with Reignwood’s running of the club, with one even calling for US President Donald Trump to launch a takeover bid.

“Whatever you say about Donald Trump, he has improved Turnberry and Aberdeen [the golf courses he owns in Scotland],” said an anonymous member.

“It would be no bad thing if he stepped in and purchased Wentworth. Trump delivers on his promises while Reignwood makes ambitious statements and fails to deliver.”