The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour have unexpectedly partnered up with LIV Golf, a rival league backed by the Saudi Arabian government, causing controversy due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record. LIV Golf was previously the enemy of the PGA Tour after recruiting some of the world’s best golfers with large guaranteed contracts, resulting in PGA officials stating that anyone who played with LIV would not be welcome on the tour. Many players, including Len Mattiace, who is from Jacksonville, expressed their surprise at the partnership. The merger affects players who stayed with the PGA Tour and didn’t receive the large upfront signing bonuses. Fans have also expressed their bewilderment, with one Twitter user suggesting that players like Rory, Rahm, and Scheffler, who didn’t take the multimillion-dollar signing bonuses, were left to fend for themselves. Some have criticized the merger, including journalist Jonathan Franks, who calls the merger an attempt at sportswashing Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and dismemberment. However, others believe that the merger will lead to more tournaments and a better fan experience for everyone involved. The 9/11 Families United group has criticized the merger as well, claiming that the PGA Tour and Monahan have become “paid Saudi shills.”
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