Senator Ron Wyden Raises Questions About PGA Tour’s Merger with Saudi-Backed LIV Golf

The PGA Tour’s plans to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf have come under scrutiny in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers raising questions about the morality and safety of such an acquisition. Senator Ron Wyden wrote a letter to the organization’s leadership on Thursday, expressing concern that the merger “raises significant questions about whether organizations that tie themselves to an authoritarian regime that has continually undermined the rule of law should continue to enjoy tax-exempt status.”

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been embroiled in a squabble over control of the sport, with LIV Golf poaching some of the PGA Tour’s top players and suing its competitor for running an illegal monopoly on the sport. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has committed billions to fund LIV Golf.

In his letter, Senator Wyden asked for information from the PGA Tour’s leadership, including details about the framework of the deal and an assessment of the merger’s implications for national security. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the Justice Department has notified the PGA Tour that it’s investigating the merger plans for antitrust concerns.

The PGA Tour has yet to respond to the letter or the Justice Department’s investigation. The organization has faced criticism for its plans to merge with LIV Golf, with many questioning the morality of such a move. The outcome of the investigation and the PGA Tour’s response to the letter remain to be seen.