Amateur golfers will gather at the Trump National Doral near Miami on Thursday, paying over $9,000 each to play alongside top professionals.
Meanwhile, the resort hotel will welcome fans for a pro tournament starting Friday, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names. The Trump name will receive global exposure through television and the internet.
This uptick in business at Trump’s properties is attributed to his deal with LIV Golf, sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, to host tournaments.
LIV Golf’s willingness to pay for tournaments at Trump’s resorts highlights the ongoing ties between the Saudis and the Trump family, amidst Trump’s political ambitions.
Recent discussions between Mr. Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince have raised eyebrows, especially given the family’s business dealings with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
The Trump Organization’s shift towards golf properties has been fueled by the success of LIV Golf tournaments, attracting top players and bolstering the family’s international standing.
According to Eric Trump, the growth in the golf industry post-pandemic has benefitted their golf clubs both domestically and overseas.
The decline in city-center hotel business has prompted the Trump family to focus more on golf properties. The appraisal of the Doral hotel suggested that the Trump brand’s polarizing nature has impacted its performance negatively.
Despite challenges in the hotel sector, Trump’s golf courses have seen increased profits, especially with the hosting of LIV Golf tournaments.
