Lawmakers responded to news of the surprise merger, announced last month after seven weeks of rushed negotiations, by expressing concern that Saudi Arabia, scrutinized by Democrats for its human rights abuses, would have outsize influence over American golf.Sen.
“While negotiations toward a definitive agreement are currently underway,” Price said in his opening statement, “the framework agreement contains important safeguards that ensure the Tour will operate fundamentally as it does today: The Tour will control operations, the Tour will control the board of the new subsidiary, and the Tour will be the governing body for competitive golf in connection with any combined golf operations.
“A billion dollars is just the beginning,” Blumenthal later added, arguing the Saudis will be the ones who actually call the shots."They control the purse strings.” The executives made much the same argument, stating that the merger would prevent Saudi Arabia, with virtually unlimited resources, from eventually taking total control of American golf. Dunne said the deal, if it comes to fruition, would be a"win-win" for the two sides and denied that the PGA's intent is to allow the Saudis influence over the sport.Blumenthal, however, said the agreement is a failure of the PGA to"stand up" to Saudi Arabia.
Republicans, who view the Saudis as an ally in the Middle East, were generally less hostile toward the PGA and believe the government should stay out of professional sports.