Pelley Says European Tour Has Done Its Security Due Diligence In Defending "Middle East strategy"

European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley is attempting to get out front of the looming disaster that is a professional golf tournament in Saudi Arabia only months after the dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi last fall. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was credited with bringing the European Tour event to his country, likely ordered the killing at his country’s Turkish consulate.

Pelley focused more on player security in spinning the decision to forge ahead with an event despite the murder. From G.C. Digital’s story:

“Our main focus is on the safety and security of our players and staff,” Pelley said Sunday on “Morning Drive”. “Like many global companies who operate in the region, we monitored the situation. … Having looked at that – and having done our due diligence in terms of the safety and security – we’re obviously moving forward and looking forward to this new chapter on the European Tour.”

Pelley’s full Morning Drive appearance starts with some fantastic stalling efforts before the dreaded topic comes up: