10 of the biggest (!) bombshells from PGA Tour/LIV Golf hearing

PGA Tour chief operating officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne faced US lawmakers on 11 July to answer questions about the 'framework agreement' with LIV Golf's backers. 

It was expected to be an explosive hearing but it was made all the more tantalising because 276 pages of documents revealing communications between parties involved in the deal were released shortly before the hearing began. 

GolfMagic has decided to round up some of the biggest bombshells. We are left in absolutely no doubt that these will be revisited in the future. 

Here are 10...

1. Greg Norman

A side agreement between the PGA Tour and the PIF had the proposition for Norman to be axed. The agreement was never signed and later Price told Senator Richard Blumenthal under the agreement there would be no requirements for 'that type of position' when asked about the two-time Open winner. 

2. Non-disparagement clause

Senator Blumenthal raised that the PGA Tour has a non-disparagement clause that prevents the circuit saying anything negative or critical of Saudi Arabia. "In this country we believe in free speech," he said.  "If we don't, it's gone." Dunne retorted, saying that it's difficult to get things done when you're saying bad thing about the other group." Price backed up Dunne and claimed he didn't think the provision would be extended to players but couldn't be sure. 

3. The PIF's initial investment will be huge

Price and Dunne were asked what the initial investment would be from the PIF in the new golf entity. Price confirmed it would be 'significant'. How significant? Price said it would be north of $1bn. For context, the PGA Tour's net assets last year was $1.3bn. 

4. The Saudis want to sponsor two PGA Tour designated events

PGA Tour officials were shown a slideshow titled 'The Best of Both Worlds' which revealed plans for the Aramco to sponsor two PGA Tour designated events with one being played in Saudi Arabia. 

5. Rory McIlroy met with the PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan

McIlroy met with Al-Rumayyan in late 2022. Documents suggested that it was a 'cordial and constructive meeting'. The document makes it clear McIlroy was not seeking financial gain and was 'simply trying to unify the game'. The document reads: "In our meeting, Rory and His Excellency talked of the need for compromise to benefit the game's stakeholders, be it players, fans, broadcasters, sponsors and charities."

6. The agreement was strictly to end the litigation

Before the hearing began Price noted the PGA Tour messed up their messaging of the announcement with the use of the word 'merger'. He made it clear during the hearing he would have preferred for the tour to announce the litigation was over. Price was also pressed further on why the tour didn't press ahead with their court battle given they had some small, but significant early legal victories. Price was adamant that it wasn't definitive they would prevail in court. 

7. PIF governor wanted to be granted Augusta National membership as part of the agreement

The documents suggest that as part of the agreement Al-Rumayyan wanted to be given a membership to Augusta National. Not only that, he wanted to be a member of the R&A. Of course, these proposals just formed part of the talks. But still. Get in line, Yasir?!

8. 'They could gut us' 

PGA Tour officials feared their organisation would be reduced to ruin with the deal. "If LIV takes five players a year for five years, they can gut us," Dunne said, painting a grim picture. 

9. PGA Tour execs didn't want the PIF's lawyers to look at the agreement

Dunne said during the hearing: "We were afraid if the other sides' lawyers found out, the agreement would be gone."

10. Tiger Woods

Woods has not spoken publicly about the agreement. He did post one message, however, on social media, distancing himself from a document that suggested he was planned to tell PGA Tour members to tell the Saudis to 'F off' whilst bigging up PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan as the right man for the job. 

It has now been revealed that as part of 'The Best of Both Worlds' slideshow, Woods and McIlroy were to be handed LIV Golf teams and play in events. 

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