Images taken Thursday morning show former President Donald Trump participating in the LIV Golf pro-am at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Trump played in the summer heat alongside his son, Eric, and professional LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson.
The president, who's an avid fan of the sport, has made several statements in support of the newly-founded LIV Golf tour, which is financed by Saudi Arabian backers. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he said that the tournament has been a wonderful investment for the country, bringing in lots of publicity.
"I think LIV has been a great thing for Saudi Arabia, for the image of Saudi Arabia," Trump said. "I think it's going to be an incredible investment from that standpoint, and that's more valuable than lots of other things because you can't buy that — even with billions of dollars."
LIV Golf has faced significant criticism from advocacy groups that claim the new league is akin to "sportswashing," and that the Saudi government is attempting to launder its image and reputation with the new golf league.
The National Press Club chastised LIV Golf and Trump in a statement.
"That the tournament is being held at a course owned by former President Trump is, if possible, even more revolting," the statement reads. "It reminds us that the former President bragged of distracting Congress from the murder, delaying the release of the final U.S. government report that concluded MBS, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (and recipient of the fist-bump from President Biden) was most likely involved in planning and approving Jamal's murder."
Two of 12 of LIV Golf's events are set to be held at Trump properties, including this week in Bedminster and an October event in Miami.
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