LIV Golf sparks more controversy as Donald Trump opens event with presidency hint

LIV Golf is gearing up to hold its third event at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster - and former President Donald Trump has ensured the build receives media attention. The 76-year-old played in the LIV Golf Pro-Am and hinted that he is preparing to run in the 2024 US presidential election.

Trump's son Eric, along with grand champions Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, joined him in the pro-am group, which was played without spectators. The event comes ahead of the third LIV Golf event, which starts on Friday and will cover 54 holes over three rounds with a prize pool of just over £20m.

Several of the hottest players in the world have decided to make the switch to LIV Golf, including Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Johnson. Branden Grace picked up a two-part win at the second LIV Golf event - which took place in Portland, Oregon - to earn a £3.37m payout, more than the £2.08m awarded to Australian Cameron Smith for winning the coveted Open title last week. .

Trump, whose loose adherence to strict golf rules has seen the avid player come under scrutiny, teeed off alongside his son, Johnson and DeChambeau at the Pro-Am event. Asked by a reporter on the first tee if he intended to announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, Trumps replied, "You'll be so happy...we'll let you know very soon." /p>

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Both pros cheered and cheered as Trump sent his first drive straight but just off the fairway. After the shot, Trump turned to a group of onlookers - which included his daughter Ivanka and her husband, former White House adviser Jared Kushner - and said, "Glad it's over." /p>

Trump, who owns a number of elite golf courses around the world, will also see season-ending event LIV Golf played at its Doral course near Miami. LIV Golf has created a divide in the sport, with Trump naturally lending his voice to the issue by speaking to Truth Social to call the PGA Tour unfair.

Players who joined the LIV Golf series – which is funded by a Saudi government notorious for human rights abuses – have been banned immediately and indefinitely from the PGA Tour, while the DP World Tour has hinted that he would fine the rebels and suspend them from future events, but they have yet to issue a ban.

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