LIV Golf boss appears to break strict dress code rule at Dunhill Links

LIV Golf boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan appeared to break the strict dress code at Carnoustie by wearing a Newcastle United FC top during the first round of the Dunhill Links.

Saudi PIF governor Al-Rumayyan was playing in the same fourball as PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan on Thursday.

Al-Rumayyan and Monahan shared a warm embrace as they met on the 10th tee.

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Monahan is partnered by Billy Horschel this week, while Al-Rumayyan is with LIV Golf's Dean Burmester.

Horschel and Monahan opened with an 8-under 64 while Al-Rumayyan and Burmester carded a 6-under 66.

Al-Rumayyan will join Rory McIlroy and his father Gerry at St Andrews on Saturday.

McIlroy opened with a steady 3-under 69 at Carnoustie in the individual format.

That is eight shots off the pace after Darren Fichardt fired a 61 at Kingsbarns. 

But while all eyes we drawn to Al-Rumayyan and Monahan hugging each other moments before they got their first round underway, a number of golf fans could not help but notice the Saudi PIF governor's unusual choice of apparel for a famous links on The Open rota. 

Al-Rumayyan, who serves as the chairman of Newcastle United FC, decided to play his opening round at Carnoustie wearing a new adidas football x NUFC quater-zip pullover. 

Taking a closer look at Carnoustie's 'Code of Conduct' page on its website, and it would appear Al-Rumayyan broke its dress code rules.

Here's what Carnoustie Golf Links has to say about its dress code policy: 

'Golf shirts must be either collared shirts or otherwise recognised golfing attire. 

'T-shirts, football shirts and any shirts carrying slogans, numbers or non-golfing related illustrations, are not permitted.

'Trousers and shorts must be tailored. Blue denim, paramilitary, or track suits are not permitted.

'All recognised golfing headgear is acceptable.'

The DP World Tour has declined comment. 

It will be interesting to see what Al-Rumayyan decides to wear on Friday. 

There is a great deal of hope in the industry that big progress can be made on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF's 'Framework Agreement' since all parties are present at the 'Home of Golf' this week.

The partnership was proposed in June 2023, and we are still waiting for a final verdict.

It is understood South African businessman Johann Rupert, who runs this week's Dunhill Links, has wanted to get all of golf's bosses around one table and on the fairways together in a bid to help them go some way to unifying the professional game once again.

The sport has been split ever since the emergece of LIV Golf in 2022.

Rupert, who controls luxury goods firm Richemont, is Africa's richest person with a reported net worth of $1.9bn, is said to be a staunch advocate for peace in the elite men's game, according to McIlroy. 

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