When Iranian missiles shut down Gulf airspace, several professional golfers bound for LIV Golf’s Hong Kong tournament found themselves stuck in Dubai.
In all, eight LIV players, three broadcasters, four caddies and several family members were stuck in the Middle East, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil recounted to Fortune on March 9, the third day of the four-day contest in Hong Kong.
“Events like this can be a bit stressful because the only thing we’re focusing on is our sole focus is making sure the players, the caddies, the broadcasters and their families are safe” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil told Fortune on March 9, the third day of the four-day contest in Hong Kong.
Stranded golfers ended up making a mad dash to Oman and golfer Jon Rahm’s private jet to get them to LIV Golf Hong Kong, and made it to Hong Kong in time. (Oman has become a popular exit for expats fleeing the Gulf; on March 9, Muscat’s airport limited access to private jets to ensure space for commercial and government flights).
“We experience our fair share of challenges as the geopolitical world reveals itself. We always think first and foremost about safety,” O’Neil said, crediting “precise planning, excellent resources and tremendous leadership, particularly from Jon Rahm and [general manager] Jeff Koski,” in getting the golfers out of the conflict zone and to Hong Kong on time.
