The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which is set to examine the implications of the PGA-LIV deal, will have to wait to hear from key witnesses as LIV CEO Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Arabian national wealth fund, have cited scheduling conflicts. Meanwhile, Ron Price, the PGA Tour’s chief operating officer, and board member Jimmy Dunne have agreed to appear before the panel on July 11. The hearing aims to shed light on the details and background of the deal and its significance for both the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s investment in golf and other sports.
Norman and Al-Rumayyan Unable to Attend Due to Scheduling Conflicts:
According to a joint statement by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), chair of the panel, and ranking member Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), both Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan cited scheduling conflicts that prevent them from appearing at the hearing. LIV Golf, which Norman leads as CEO, is currently hosting an event outside London and does not have another tournament until early August. The senators expressed their regret at the absence of Norman and Al-Rumayyan, acknowledging their valuable insights into the operations of the Public Investment Fund and the future plans for LIV Golf.
PGA Tour Representatives Will Attend the Hearing:
Ron Price, the PGA Tour’s chief operating officer, and Jimmy Dunne, a board member, have confirmed their availability to appear before the panel on July 11. Senator Blumenthal and Senator Johnson expressed their appreciation to the PGA Tour for cooperating and stated that they look forward to a comprehensive exchange with Price and Dunne. The senators emphasized that the focus of the hearing will be to delve into the details and implications of the PGA-LIV deal, which has generated significant interest and raised questions about the future of golf and Saudi Arabia’s influence in the United States.
Efforts to Schedule Norman and Al-Rumayyan for Future Appearance:
While disappointed by the scheduling conflicts, the senators affirmed their commitment to working with Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan to find a mutually agreeable date for them to testify in the near future. Recognizing the value of their perspectives on the operations of the Public Investment Fund and the future plans for LIV Golf, Senator Blumenthal and Senator Johnson expressed their intention to ensure that all relevant information is shared with Congress and the American public.
Unveiling the PGA-LIV Deal’s Structure and Governance:
Senator Blumenthal previously highlighted the importance of understanding the structure and governance of the new entity created by the PGA-LIV deal. The hearing, titled “The PGA-LIV Deal: Implications for the Future of Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Influence in the United States,” aims to provide clarity on the agreement and its potential impact. The absence of Norman and Al-Rumayyan at the upcoming hearing postpones the opportunity to gain insights from key figures directly involved in the negotiations. However, the scheduled appearance of PGA Tour representatives Price and Dunne presents an opportunity for a substantive discussion on the deal’s implications.
Conclusion:
The Senate hearing investigating the PGA-LIV deal has been delayed due to scheduling conflicts that prevent LIV CEO Greg Norman and Saudi Arabian national wealth fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan from attending. However, Ron Price and Jimmy Dunne from the PGA Tour have agreed to appear before the panel. The postponed hearing seeks to explore the structure and governance of the PGA-LIV entity, shedding light on its potential impact on the future of golf and Saudi Arabia’s influence in the United States. Efforts will be made to reschedule the appearances of Norman and Al-Rumayyan to ensure a comprehensive examination of the deal.
