Some US senators worried about golf tournament merger

2023-06-17 15:25:46, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States now operates two golf tournaments, the PGA and LIV Golf, which officially launched in 2022, with the support of Saudi Arabia. Both tournaments have faced accusations and counter-accusations in the courts about how they affect golf competitions. However, last week, in a decision that surprised many who have been closely following these developments, the two groups announced that they will be joining together for a tour. As the Voice of America correspondent reports. Laurel Bowman, several US senators are alarmed by the announcement.

The decision to potentially merge the US golf tournaments was heralded as a major victory last week by the leaders of the two competitions.

"This is a decision that I believe is in the best interest of all members of the PGA Tour, as it gives us control, enables us to partner with the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund in a constructive and fruitful way..." he says . PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

Some golfers were reserved in expressing their happiness at the news.

“It will be good for professional golf. I think it secures her … unifies her and secures her financial future,” says professional golfer Rory Mcllroy.

In Congress, however, there is some concern about the proposed merger of the tours.

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden have asked the Department of Justice to open an investigation against monopolies. The media reports that this investigation is currently underway.

Senator Richard Blumenthal announced that a subcommittee he chairs would conduct an investigation into the deal and the dangers posed "by a foreign government entity taking control of an American institution."

The new tournament is supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Critics say the merger could be used by Saudi Arabia to improve its reputation, particularly in relation to human rights criticism.

"I do not accept violations of human rights. Of course I'm aware of what happened to the journalist Jamal Khashoggi and I think it's terrible," said professional golfer Phil Mickelson, who went to play for the Saudi-backed tour.

Before the deal to merge the tournaments, the PGA had suspended professional players, including Mr. Mickelson, who had been lured by the Saudi Arabia-backed tour with large sums of money./ VOA