US Senate To Investigate Deal Between PGA Tour & Saudi Backed Public Investment Fund

Tuesday, 13 June 2023 10:21

By Caoimhe Harney

File image: Richard Blumenthal @SenBlumenthal/Twitter

Senator Richard Blumenthal asked the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for communications and records on their planned merger

The US Senate is to investigate the deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi backed Public Investment Fund which intends to unify professional golf under one umbrella.

In a letter to the parties, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote that the "PGA Tour's agreement with PIF regarding LIV Golf raises concerns about the Saudi government's role in influencing this effort and the risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over a cherished American institution."

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

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick claims a shock merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series is a confusing situation for all involved.

He'll begin the defence of his title in Los Angeles on Thursday, but much of the build-up has been dominated by the agreement to end the sport's bitter feud.

Fitzpatrick says few people know the details;