The PGA Tour defended its controversial partnership with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league during a hearing held by the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s subcommittee on investigations.
The merger between the PGA Tour and LIV’s commercial assets was the focus of the hearing, with representatives from LIV Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund being notably absent. The CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, was out of the country, according to a spokesperson. Testimony was provided by Ron Price, the chief operating officer of the PGA Tour.
The announcement of the June merger drew criticism from many, including members of Congress who accused LIV Golf of “sportswashing,” an attempt to spread government influence through sports. While the Chair of the subcommittee, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, expressed opposition to the deal, the ranking member, Sen. Ron Johnson, took a more sympathetic stance.
In an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Johnson stated, “I hope the hearing gives the PGA the opportunity to explain the challenges they face in operating and managing professional golf. The PGA was confronted with an existential threat, and this is their attempt to preserve the game of golf and maintain the integrity of competition at the highest level.”
Critics of the partnership have also raised concerns about the Saudi government’s alleged ties to the 9/11 attacks and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, accusations that the Saudis have denied. The committee plans to hear testimony from Greg Norman and professional golfers associated with the tour in the future.
In a statement, Sen. Blumenthal’s spokesperson emphasized the broader implications of the hearing, saying, “Today’s hearing goes beyond the realm of golf… It highlights how a brutal, repressive regime can purchase influence, and even take control of, a cherished American institution simply to improve its public image. This is sportswashing by a regime that has engaged in the unlawful killing of journalists, the imprisonment and torture of dissidents, support for the war in Yemen, and has been linked to other terrorist activities, including 9/11.”
This story is still developing. Stay tuned for updates.
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