Newcastle chairman risks breaching strict golf rule that angered Ian Poulter's officials
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan risked breaking a strict rule at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Carnoustie.
Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, joined PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan on the field to play in the pro-am portion of the event.
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The pair played in the same group in which Al-Rumayyan was partnered with Dean Burmester, while Monahan was paired with Billy Horschel on Thursday.
But Al-Rumayyan, who funds LIV Golf and Newcastle as part of his role at the PIF, turned heads with his choice of outfit for the event.
He was seen wearing a green Newcastle training shirt as he took the opportunity to promote the club he acquired in October 2021.
Football shirts are completely against the golf dress code and DP World Tour officials have previously clamped down on players wearing football shirts while participating in events.
He arrived after England. Ian Poulter narrowly escaped sanctions for wearing a Arsenal jersey at the 2006 Abu Dhabi Championship.
The boyhood Gunners fan angered officials, who objected to the shirt size of the club's sponsor at the time, O2.
Poulter, who said his shirt choice was “just a bit of fun”, went unpunished, but his actions led to a complete ban on wearing football shirts at future golf events.
However, it seems that Al-Rumayyan will be spared, given that he was only a pro-am and he is among the most influential people in the world.
Al-Rumayyan and Burmester will play on Friday at Kingsbarns with Louis Oosthuizen and South African billionaire Johann Rupert.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and his father Gerry will be grouped with Al-Rumayyan and Burmester during the third round in St. Andrews, which begins on Saturday morning.
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The Northern Irishman has been a strong supporter of the PGA Tour in its battle with LIV golf in recent years, but recently changed his stance and encouraged bosses to find a way to work together.
Monahan hinted at progress on a collaboration with LIV golf during the Tour Championship at East Lake in August.
He said: “We have the right people at the table with the right mindset. I see that in all of these conversations, and that's on both sides.”
“That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together. But at the same time, these conversations are complex.
“They're going to take time. They've taken time and they'll continue to take time.”
