Brennan: Augusta National is being torn apart by 9/11 survivors’ groups, who pledge to protest at Masters

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Terry Strada said, “It’s really horrible to see that it will be played out at Masters in Augusta,” after his husband Tom was killed in September 2001. He has spent months voicing out against the new, controversially supported by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, golfers who chose to play in the exhibition-style league.

Strada stated that Augusta National was “the one place I would hope would have stood up for a cause” in a telephone interview with USA TODAY Sports.

She said, “Actions speak louder than words.” “It takes courage to stand up for the values you have preached all these years, and not to lose sight of them. I feel that this is a cowardly reaction to allowing them to play.

“I wasn’t expecting Donald Trump to host LIV tournaments this season, but I was certain that Augusta would be more classy and more concerned about the 9/11 community than me. This is a complete slap on the face.

Augusta National’s spokesperson received an email, voicemail, and text message. She confirmed receipt of the message but did not offer any further comment.

Strada was asked if 9/11 Families United would protest at the Masters in April, as it did at Trump’s Bedminster in July when it hosted an LIV event.

“I went to Bedminster because I could see it from my home on Sept. 11, 2001. I also have every intention to go to Augusta to take part in the Masters in spring.” This will enable us to make our voices heard on the international stage.”

Augusta National Chair Fred Ridley made Tuesday’s statement that LIV golfers would be allowed to play in the 2023 Masters next spring.

Ridley stated that recent events have caused a division in professional golf. They have diminished the virtues and legacies of those who created it. We are disappointed by these developments but our goal is to continue the tradition of bringing together a top-ranked field of golfers in April. We will send out invitations this week to invite all those who meet our criteria to participate in the 2023 Masters Tournament.

Among those eligible are well-known players such as Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

President Joe Biden released a report from the FBI detailing Saudi Arabia’s involvement with the September 11 attacks. Saudi leaders had long denied this. Saudi citizens were 15 of the 19 hijackers who took part in the attacks.

LIV Golf is funded and managed by bin Salman. He was, according to intelligence agencies and the United Nations, the mastermind behind 2018’s murder and dismemberment Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Strada said that the 9/11 families were outraged, upset and hurt by this whole thing. Her husband Tom was a keen golfer. “To recognize Mickelson at the Masters and the other players who actively help the kingdom of Saudi Arabia sportswash their reputation is playing directly to what the kingdom wants: legitimacy on the international stage. You are giving Saudi Arabia the legitimacy it seeks and for which they are willing to spend millions of dollars. It’s disgraceful.”