The mega-rich Saudi Arabian backers behind the LIV Golf breakaway league are reportedly planning to make another splash by targeting two of the UK’s most cherished golf clubs. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), who own a majority share in Newcastle United, are keen to expand their portfolio of UK-owned assets by targeting acquisitions of the Wentworth and Centurion Golf Clubs. Wentworth is the headquarters of the DP World Tour in Surrey, while Centurion is based in Hemel Hempstead and has put itself on the map as one of the finest courses in Britain.
The latter has already hosted LIV Golf events before, and the PIF’s interest in purchasing two staple locations on the UK golf scene marks a signal of their intent to increase their control in the sport. It comes after English pro Eddie Pepperell claimed he had been reliably informed that the “PIF are buying Wentworth” during an appearance on ‘The Chipping Forecast’ podcast. The Daily Mail report that their interest ‘remains high’ in securing Wentworth, in addition to buying the Centurion Golf Club, which is based just outside of London.
Wentworth is currently owned by Chinese firm Reignwood Investments, who paid over £130million to purchase the course in 2014. It plays host to the DP World Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship – giving it a crucial place in the increasingly-divided state of modern golf.
The PIF could take advantage of the apparent dissatisfaction amongst Wentworth members about how the club is being run by Reignwood. In a report from the Telegraph, one of its members had gone as far as inviting Donald Trump, president of the United States, to launch a takeover bid of the iconic venue.
“Whatever you say about Donald Trump, he has improved Turnberry and Aberdeen [the golf courses he owns in Scotland],” the unnamed individual told the outlet. “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.”
Wentworth officials moved to shut down speculation that their prized asset was up for grabs and insisted they had no interest in discussing a sale.
“Wentworth Club is not for sale,” a Wentworth spokesperson said 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.”
Despite their adamant stance, the ambitious Saudi group have not been put off pursuing a deal and with assets worth around £538bn, the group have deep enough pockets to test their resolve.
