Congress Looking to Hear From Several PGA Tour Players Regarding PGA Tour-PIF Agreement

While there was no on-course drama between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players at the U.S. Open, the ramifications of the deal announced two weeks ago among the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund—the money behind LIV—aren’t going away any time soon.

According to a report by Golf Channel’s Rex Hubbard, Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, sent a letter to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman asking for documents relating to the deal.

Today I am opening a probe into the PGA Tour merger as Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

I am demanding information from PGA & LIV on how they came to this agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund & how this new entity will be structured & operated. pic.twitter.com/zR5AhwU3PS

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) June 12, 2023

Monahan is currently recovering from what was called a medical issue. Norman, of course, was not mentioned by name in last week’s announcement.

As part of the request, Blumenthal wants to hear from players as well.

The letter stated:

“We would like to speak with players to hear their perspective on and understanding of the agreement and its potential impact on PGA Tour membership going forward.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal argued the Saudis are essentially “taking charge of the entire sport” in a deal that could have national security implications. https://t.co/P4vc2su3Ri

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) June 19, 2023

In addition, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking his office to review the deal for potential antitrust issues. The PGA Tour said in the press release that it would remain a nonprofit entity while the tour would join forces with the DP World Tour and the PIF to create a for-profit company.

Cover Image Via GolfWeek