PGA Tour officials faced intense questioning during a Senate hearing on Tuesday regarding their recent partnership with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the financial backer of LIV Golf. Board member Jimmy Dunne and COO Ron Price testified before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, addressing concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the implications of the deal.
Dunne and Price insisted the agreement was a framework, not a merger, emphasizing that the only concrete outcome so far was the resolution of ongoing legal disputes between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour. They stressed that the PGA Tour would retain control of its operations and the board of the new entity. Price highlighted the agreement's safeguards, ensuring the Tour would continue to function largely as it does now, upholding its mission and charitable endeavors.
However, senators pressed the officials on the PIF's involvement, given its history of human rights abuses and allegations of "sportswashing." Senator Richard Blumenthal specifically asked Dunne about his message to families of 9/11 victims, some of whom were present at the hearing. Dunne reiterated his commitment to pursuing anyone connected to the attacks, emphasizing his belief that justice had been served. He also pledged to meet with the 9/11 families, stating he wouldn't discriminate based on religion or ethnicity.
Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United, submitted a statement criticizing the Tour for seemingly ceding control of golf to Saudi Arabia, motivated by financial gain. She accused the Saudis of using the partnership as a PR tactic to deflect from their past and alleged involvement in supporting al Qaeda and the 9/11 hijackers.
Price disclosed that the PIF investment would exceed $1 billion. The hearing underscored the tension between the financial benefits of the partnership and the ethical concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
