Lawmaker demands more information about PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger

the Saudi’s Public Investment Fund 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," the lawmaker wrote in a letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

Blumenthal appeared to cite the PGA's own words and actions prior to last week, when the tour appeared to stand in total opposition to LIV.: “I would ask any player that has left, or that would ever consider leaving, have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?" "PIF has announced that it intends to use investments in sports to further the Saudi government’s strategic objectives," according to Blumenthal."It established LIV Golf Investments in 2021 to serve this goal. Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of 'sportswashing' — an attempt to soften the country’s image around the world — given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad.

Blumenthal said the PGA Tour's tax-exempt status gives his committee the authority to demand documentation and answers from the organization. A representative for LIV declined to comment on Monday and a spokesperson for the PGA Tour could not be immediately reached.

United States United States Latest News, United States United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

LIV Golf, PGA Tour merger was inevitable; so is the blowbackCriticism of golf merger may be valid, but face it: We're all partners when it comes to supporting Saudi Arabia with our money
Source: sdut - 🏆 5. / 95 Read more »

PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger 'disruptive’ for the sports industry, 'Shark Tank' star says'Shark Tank' star and investor Kevin O'Leary says the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger makes the sport bigger and better – calling on tennis, soccer, and Formula 1 to 'bring it on.'
Source: FoxNews - 🏆 9. / 87 Read more »

Lincicome: PGA-LIV merger reminds us selfishness, golf have always been companionsBernie Lincicome says it has always been about money with professional golf, somebody else's money, of course. And in one of the greatest sports scams ever, golf grew into an international octopus with tours here and there, assuming the check would clear and it usually did.
Source: dailyherald - 🏆 317. / 59 Read more »

The PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger, explained: Who won, who lost, what it means for fansIn one of the most consequential moments in golf history, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf announced on Tuesday morning that they would combine operations to create an as-yet-unnamed new worldwide golf entity. The agreement ends litigation between the two tours, provides a potential pathway for LIV Golf players to rejoin the PGA Tour, and sets up a framework where Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) now has a significant stake in the future of men's professional golf.
Source: WOKVNews - 🏆 247. / 63 Read more »