Sen. Blumenthal Opens Inquiry Into PGA Tour’s Agreement with Saudi-Backed LIV Golf, Citing Risks of Foreign Government Influence

The PGA Tour’s agreement with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf has raised concerns about the influence of the Saudi government and the risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over a cherished American institution. In response, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has opened an inquiry into the deal and has written to the heads of the two sports organizations requesting a slew of records related to the agreement.

In his letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Blumenthal highlighted documents that could shed light on the behavior of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns LIV Golf, as well as the PGA Tour’s tax-exempt status and any law enforcement investigations regarding the agreement or the previously contentious relationship between the two entities.

Blumenthal expressed his fear of the risks brought on by the Saudi government taking hold of a popular athletic pastime. He said that the agreement “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 PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund have yet to comment on the inquiry. It is unclear at this time how the two organizations will respond to Blumenthal’s request for records. The results of the inquiry and any potential implications for the agreement between the two organizations remain to be seen.