The US Senate is investigating the planned commercial merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The PGA Tour and PIF-funded LIV Golf have been written to by Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the permanent subcommittee on investigation, asking for all documents relating to the plan.
“PIF’s role as an arm of the Saudi government and PGA Tour’s sudden and drastic reversal of position concerning LIV Golf raises serious questions,” wrote Blumenthal.
“Prior to this agreement, PGA Tour was one of the loudest critics of LIV Golf’s affiliation with Saudi Arabia.”
The documents requested must be provided by 26 June.
Blumenthal, the Democratic Party senator for Connecticut, also talks about the “risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over a cherished American institution” and notes that the PIF is using its investment in sport to “further the Saudi government’s strategic objectives”.
Last week’s announcement of the merger followed a year of disruption in the men’s game and was met by shock with the majority of players.
The PGA said in a statement that it believes Congress will find it is in “control” of the agreement.
The organisation said: “We are confident that once Congress learns more about how the PGA Tour will control this new venture, they will understand the opportunities this will create for our players, our communities and our sport, all while protecting an American golf institution.”
