Monahan, Al-Rumayyan, Norman Requested for Congressional Hearing Over Mega Golf Deal

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan—the two principles in the joining together of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF—along with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman have been invited to a congressional hearing over the deal.

In a letter from Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), the trio was invited to the hearing on July 11 in which lawmakers are looking to learn details about the “framework agreement” among the three entities.

Congress is concerned about the deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Sen. Blumenthal is demanding records related to the reported merger, saying it “raises concerns about the Saudi government’s role in assuming control over a cherished American institution.” pic.twitter.com/shjC4ZEDBX

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 13, 2023

The letter read, in part:

“To assist the subcommittee’s review, please be prepared to discuss the circumstances and terms of the planned agreement between PGA Tour and the PIF, how any new entities formed through the planned agreement will be structured, the expected impact on PGA Tour and LIV Golf players, and the anticipated role of the PIF in U.S. professional golf.”

While Monahan remains out following a “medical situation,” the PGA Tour said in a statement that they will be represented at the hearing.

In addition, the statement said, “Any agreement coming out of these negotiations will have to be approved by the full board of the PGA Tour, including our player directors.” That sentiment was also expressed by the tour in a meeting with players on Tuesday prior to the Travelers Championship.

“We got more of a description of what transpired, and why it transpired the way it did”

Chez Reavie was in Tuesday’s players meeting, and gave @dennispaulson62 & @ZeeManGolf the most up-to-date info he has on the Tour’s framework deal with the PIF. pic.twitter.com/kMlaURudrV

— SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (@SiriusXMPGATOUR) June 21, 2023

Interestingly, Norman was included in the request even though his name was not mentioned in the news release sent by the PGA Tour announcing the framework deal two weeks ago.

Earlier this week, Congress also indicated that they’re looking to hear from PGA Tour players about the agreement.

You can read the full letter sent from the senators here.

Cover Image Via Twitter