The officials of the PGA Tour have agreed to appear before a Senate subcommittee next month to testify regarding their controversial plan to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. This investigation is being conducted by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which falls under the Homeland Security Committee. The subcommittee has scheduled a public hearing on July 11 and has requested the testimony of PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
In response to this invitation, the PGA released a statement expressing their willingness to appear before the subcommittee and address any questions they may have. They believe that their framework agreement will ensure the PGA Tour remains the leader in professional golf, while benefiting their players, fans, and the sport as a whole.
While the PGA did not disclose the exact identities of those who will testify, they confirmed their cooperation with the subcommittee’s inquiry.
This proposed merger has caused significant turmoil in the world of golf and has led to widespread criticism of Commissioner Monahan. The PGA Tour’s partnership with LIV Golf, owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF), would establish a for-profit golfing league with a capital investment from the $620 billion wealth fund. Monahan would assume the role of CEO in the new entity.
PIF has been accused of using sports to divert attention from the country’s human rights abuses. This merger has also faced backlash from family members of 9/11 attack victims who have accused the PGA of prioritizing financial gain over honoring the game of golf.
LIV Golf, which was formed last year, has already recruited prominent golfers like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson by offering lucrative signing fees. This move triggered an acrimonious rivalry between LIV and the PGA, with the PGA initially announcing a ban on golfers joining LIV from participating in PGA events. LIV responded by filing an antitrust lawsuit.
In their letter, Senators Blumenthal and Johnson, respectively the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee, requested Commissioner Monahan’s testimony to discuss the details of the planned agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF. They also seek information on the structure of any new entities formed through this merger, the impact on PGA Tour and LIV Golf players, and the role of PIF in U.S. professional golf.
– Kristopher Brooks
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