9/11 Families and Survivors Plan Protest Here During Masters Tournament Week

Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced Tuesday that Saudi-backed LIV Golf players will be eligible to compete in the 2023 Masters Tournament in Augusta.

Members of the group, 9/11 Families United, are not happy about the decision and have vowed to protest in Augusta during Masters week in April.

A statement from 9 /11 Families United said, "In the aftermath of 9/11, our country agreed we would never forget that horrible day.  The only reason the Saudis launched LIV was to try to make the world forget who they are and what they did, including their role in 9/11.  Anyone who truly vowed to "never forget" should be appalled by the decision by these golfers to put money ahead of their own country.  On behalf of 9/11 Families United, we are calling on Augusta National to reconsider their open-door-policy to the LIV golfers.  If they are welcomed with open arms, we will be at their front door to protest in April."

Ridley's announcement Tuesday confirmed that the club will honor its tradition of allowing past winners and those eligible to compete in the 2023 Masters.  He said, "Regrettably, recent actions have divided men's professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it.  Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a pre-eminent field of golfers this coming April."

Ridley added, "We look at every aspect of the Tournament each year, and any modifications or changes to invitation criteria for future Tournaments will be announced in April.

Six current LIV Golf players have lifetime invitations to the Tournament as past champions.  They include:  Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel and Phil Mickelson.