Golfer Eddie Pepperell has dropped a bombshell about the future of one of England’s most iconic golf courses, revealing that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is eyeing up Wentworth.
The DP World Tour pro spilled the beans on The Chipping Forecast podcast, saying, “Talking of the Saudis, I was told this week by someone who would know that they are buying Wentworth. The PIF are buying Wentworth, for sure. That’s what I was told.”
He also hinted at another potential acquisition, adding, “And they are interested in buying Sunningdale. Now that is more of a rumour but Wentworth..”
The Surrey-based Wentworth Club, known for its hefty $225,000 membership fee and annual dues of $20,000, could be the latest addition to the Saudi portfolio, which has been causing ripples across the golfing world. With stars jumping ship for the lucrative LIV Golf series, backed by Saudi money, the sport’s landscape is undergoing a seismic shift.
Since 2014, Wentworth has been under the ownership of Chinese firm Reignwood, which shelled out $174 million for the privilege. As whispers of a Saudi takeover grow louder, the question on everyone’s lips is whether the deal will match or exceed the previous sale price, reflecting the club’s value increase over the years.
Reignwood’s acquisition initially sparked uproar among Wentworth members, who were compelled to reapply for membership and fork out a $129,000 fee. Meanwhile, the specifics of Sunningdale’s membership structure are closely guarded secrets.
The Saudi PIF is reported to have invested around $2 billion in transforming LIV into a golf powerhouse. Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm are some of the tour’s top players, while stalwarts like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have stayed ‘true’ to the PGA Tour.
Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan recently disclosed that the sovereign wealth fund plans to reduce their future investment in massive sporting projects, which currently constitute 30 per cent of their portfolio. The Middle Eastern nation’s new goal is between 18 and 20 per cent, as per Al-Rumayyan.
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