On June 6, 2023, the golf world was caught off guard when the PGA Tour merged with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. This merger deal sparked outrage among professional golf players and fans, largely due to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan’s hypocritical actions, leaving players feeling betrayed. In this article, we will explore what this means for professional golf and Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in international sports.

History of LIV and PIF’s Involvement In Sports

Founded in 2021, the LIV tour was funded entirely by the PIF, the sovereign wealth investment fund setup by the Saudi government as part of the Kingdom’s plan to diversify its economy largely made up of oil trade. Not only golf, the public investment fund (PIF) has also invested billions in football. As a result, local Saudi football clubs have been privatised and other international clubs such as Newcastle United was acquired by the Saudi government for roughly $400 million during the end of 2021.

The problem with this is that Saudi Arabia has lots of controversies. Ranging from human rights abuses, forced disappearances and inhumane treatment of prisoners. To make matters worse, members of the royal family and Saudi government were accused of involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a popular journalist. As a result, Jay called out former PGA Tour players that flocked to LIV which offered them better payouts for having no morals and they should feel guilty for accepting Saudi’s “Dirty Money”. Now, it seems Monahan is also fine with accepting Saudi’s Money.

Details of the Deal and Golf’s Future

Key important details of the merger are still unknown. For starters, the new entity that will be set up does not have a name yet. Furthermore, this new entity will be funded by entirely the PIF and they have the right to refuse new investors from pouring in capital. Also, a new board of directors and management will be setup to oversee the new entity’s operations. Furthermore, the merger will put an end to all legal battles between PGA and LIV. In late 2022, several professional golfers who had joined the LIV tour filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour, contesting their suspensions. Players who had moved to LIV were prohibited from playing on the PGA Tour.

Regarding the future of golf, nothing has really changed. Professional golfers will continue to play as usual. Some, like Rory McIlroy, believe that the merger is ultimately for the greater good of golf’s future. This is because Saudi Arabia’s practically unlimited financial resources can secure the sport’s future financially.