BOLTON, Mass. — A town divided.
That appears to be the case in Bolton, Massachusetts, a small town of roughly 5,600 residents and the site of the LIV Golf Boston event over Labor Day weekend at The International Golf Club that could bring daily crowds in excess of that number.
Some in town are concerned about potential traffic jams from the event that runs from Friday through Sunday, wrapping up the day before Labor Day.
But the division is largely centered on LIV Golf, the entity that runs a new series that includes The International. LIV is financially backed by the government of Saudi Arabia.
What bothers some residents is that country’s reported human rights abuses, and the potential message it sends to outsiders that Bolton somehow condones those abuses.
“I was disappointed when I heard the tournament is coming here,” said Joe Myerson, a Bolton homeowner for nearly 40 years who has served on town boards and committees.
Some Bolton residents raised a total of $1,100 to pay for opposition messages during the event, said Patrick Mahoney, who is part of a group that doesn’t want the event in town. Mahoney put the number of people who donated the cash at more than 20.
Protesters will have their say in a designated area near a parking lot that is normally used for the Bolton Fair, said Bolton Town Administrator Don Lowe.
That lot is the only authorized parking area for tournament visitors, and shuttle buses will operate between the lot and The International.
Division in Bolton
Lowe acknowledged the division in town, where he has worked as town administrator for the past 13 years.
“There are differing opinions,” he said. “Some are strongly opposed, and some residents see it as beneficial, that it will help businesses, given the economy.”
Bruce Slater, owner of Slater’s restaurant on Main Street, said he sees the tournament as an economic boost for businesses in Bolton and surrounding communities.
“This is a world-class event that is a great thing for the town,” said Slater, who traces his family’s roots in Bolton back to the 1950s.
When asked about the event’s connection to Saudi Arabia, Slater said The International is a private business doing business with another country.
“There are other private companies doing business with other countries that are equally as bad,” Slater said.
He continued: “There’s a lot of hypocrisy in this country. This event will bring people in. I’m hoping it doesn’t bring…
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