PGA Tour officials stand by their decision to merge with LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia.

PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf Merger Sparks Debate

Senior PGA Tour officials and politicians clashed over the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf during a recent Senate subcommittee hearing.

In a packed room, PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne argued that the merger is necessary for the future of the PGA Tour and the game of golf.

“We really faced a choice. One option was to continue the very expensive, disruptive, and divisive litigation,” said Mr. Price.

“And we faced a real threat that LIV Golf, which is 100 percent financed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, would become the leader of professional golf.”

The framework agreement for the merger was announced on June 6, with a final deal deadline set for December 31. Both parties have agreed to drop pending litigation unless an extension is reached.

During the hearing, Mr. Price emphasized that the PGA Tour-LIV Golf dispute was hindering the growth of the sport and jeopardizing the PGA Tour’s survival.

Notable golf stars, including Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Sergio Garcia, have already left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Mr. Price expressed a desire to welcome them back into the PGA Tour fold.

However, some senators criticized the PGA Tour for giving in to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns and funds LIV Golf. They accused the PGA Tour of prioritizing money over principles.

On the other hand, Republicans defended the merger, arguing that it could bring more freedom and modernity to Saudi Arabia. They urged Congress to allow the parties to complete the deal.

Human rights concerns were also raised during the hearing, with Senator Rand Paul expressing opposition to the merger due to Saudi Arabia’s alleged human rights violations. However, PGA Tour officials assured that they condemn human rights abuses and have no plans for competition in countries like China and Russia.

Furthermore, the PGA Tour stated that players will still have the freedom to express their opinions, unlike the NBA, which has faced criticism for its players’ silence on human rights issues in China.

The hearing also had a poignant moment when family members of 9/11 victims, who hold Saudi Arabia responsible for supporting the attackers, were present in the audience.