LIV-PGA agreement deadline expected to be extended: Report

Jack Birle

December 29, 03:11 PM December 29, 03:11 PM

A deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is not expected by Dec. 31, but the deadline is expected to be extended as the two entities reportedly appear within sight of making a deal.

The Telegraph reports that the PGA Tour is expected to announce an extension to the deadline, with an unnamed leading industry figure saying a deal by the Sunday deadline has "no chance" but that there may be a deal "by the end of March."

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The initial framework announced in June calls for a new unnamed entity to be created as a joint venture between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. PGA Tour Inc., a tax-exempt organization, would remain in place and retain "administrative oversight of events for those assets contributed by the PGA TOUR, including the sanctioning of events," separate from the joint entity.

"After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love. This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA TOUR's history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV — including the team golf concept — to create an organization that will benefit golf's players, commercial and charitable partners and fans," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement when the framework was announced.

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The proposed deal came after years of feuding between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and it was one of the biggest stories out of the sports world in 2023.

Even as the two sides continue to negotiate, LIV Golf was able to snag Jon Rahm from the PGA Tour earlier this month with a reported deal that will see him earn more than $300 million.

Jon Rahm jumping from PGA Tour to LIV with over $300 million deal: Report

Jack Birle

December 07, 06:03 PM December 07, 06:03 PM

Golfer Jon Rahm is reportedly jumping from the PGA Tour to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and is expected to receive a lucrative payday for his move.

ESPN reported that the Spanish golfer will collect more than $300 million for a deal that will be longer than three years with the upstart league. The deal also includes ownership in a new LIV Golf team for the Masters champion, per the report.

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The reported deal comes as LIV Golf and the PGA Tour are looking to finalize a deal for a previously announced agreement to create a new for-profit entity that will combine the commercial businesses of the two entities and the DP World Tour. The two golf tours are seeking to finalize the deal by the end of the year.

Rahm had previously spoken out against LIV Golf when various PGA Tour players moved to the league in 2022, telling reporters in June 2022 that he was interested in the "history and legacy" of the PGA Tour rather than LIV Golf.

"I’ve always been interested in history and legacy, and right now, the PGA Tour has that. There’s a meaning when you win the Memorial championship. There’s a meaning when you win Arnold Palmer’s event at Bay Hill. There’s a meaning when you win LA, Torrey, some of these historic venues. That, to me, matters a lot," Rahm said.

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"My heart is with the PGA Tour," he added.

LIV Golf is one of Saudi Arabia's many investments in sport, with the PGA Tour reportedly coming to the table to merge with the upstart league because it could not compete with the seemingly endless money LIV had access to. A PGA spokesperson said that explanation was an "oversimplification" of why the two sides agreed to come to the table.

Off-duty California deputy shot dead by police on golf course

Conrad Hoyt

August 17, 03:16 AM August 17, 09:22 AM

An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy was shot and killed by police at a golf course on Tuesday after he allegedly started shooting his gun following a domestic situation.

Alejandro Diaz, 45, left his home at about 4 p.m. Tuesday with two guns after shooting one of them inside his home, police said. Diaz reportedly had been drinking and was "distraught" before firing, local outlet KTLA reported. Diaz's wife called the police, and another caller phoned them to say they saw a man heading to the Sierra Lakes Golf Club in Fontana with a gun.

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Officers responded and confronted Diaz, who reportedly began shooting.

"He started shooting. Shooting up everything. Scaring the golfers, shooting at police. It was bad," witness Myesha Dowe told Fox News Los Angeles.

Police fired shots and hit Diaz. He was attended to and transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died, authorities said. No police officers were injured in the shooting.

Authorities have reportedly not said if the gun Diaz was allegedly armed with was his service weapon.

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The San Bernardino County sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices are investigating the shooting, authorities said. The Fontana Police Department is said to be cooperating.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it "is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic shooting incident involving our off-duty deputy who passed away yesterday. We are in close communication with Fontana Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as they conduct their ongoing investigation. This incident is extremely difficult for the family, our personnel, and the officers involved."

PGA Tour adds Tiger Woods to policy board after criticism by players over transparency

Jack Birle

August 01, 01:53 PM August 01, 01:53 PM

The PGA Tour announced it is adding Tiger Woods to its policy board and making changes to its governance after criticism from several players over the lack of transparency in the lead-up to the announced deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in June.

In the statement announcing the appointment of Woods to the board, the PGA Tour committed to amending the governing documents of the policy board "to make clear that no major decision can be made in the future without" involvement or approval of the six player directors on the board.

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"I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our framework agreement," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "My job in the negotiations — in partnership with our Player Directors, PAC and the broader membership — is to advocate for what is best for the PGA Tour members today and in the future. Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members' input and approval earned through our Player Directors."

Monahan also touted the addition of Woods to the policy board, which will now be made up of six player directors, five independent directors, along with the PGA of America director, as "impactful." Woods said he is "honored" to represent the players during this "critical point" for the PGA Tour.

"I am honored to represent the players of the PGA Tour," Woods said in a statement. "This is a critical point for the Tour, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are made in Tour operations are in the best interest of all Tour stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players."

He added, "The players thank Commissioner Monahan for agreeing to address our concerns, and we look forward to being at the table with him to make the right decisions for the future of the game that we all love. He has my confidence moving forward with these changes."

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Players had expressed their frustration in the immediate aftermath of the blockbuster deal being announced in June and had demanded reforms so they would not be caught flat-footed again. The announced deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is under scrutiny from the Senate and reportedly the Department of Justice.

Senators have expressed their concern over the Saudi-backed league's deal proposed deal with the PGA Tour, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) saying the deal is "essentially a repressive, autocratic foreign government taking control over an iconic, cherished American institution for the clear purpose of cleansing its public image."

Trump to host screening of Sound of Freedom at his New Jersey golf club

Asher Notheis

July 13, 04:40 PM July 14, 10:11 AM

Former President and current GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump has announced he will host a screening of the movie Sound of Freedom at his own golf course in New Jersey.

Trump's announcement comes as the film continues to experience success at the box office, where it has resonated with conservative theatergoers. The screening will take place at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 19, and will be attended by members of the club as well as supporters, according to an announcement from Trump.

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Trump himself will attend the screening, and will be joined by Eduardo Verastegui, the film's producer; Jim Caviezel, the film's lead actor; and Tim Ballard, the person that Sound of Freedom is about.

The film is about the true story of how Ballard, a former federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, quit his job and risked his life to journey into the jungles of Colombia in an effort to save children from sex slavery. Ballard is portrayed in the film by Caviezel, who is perhaps best known for his role in The Passion of the Christ. The film also features Academy Award-winner Mira Sorvino from Mighty Aphrodite, and Bill Camp from 12 Years a Slave. 

During his time as president, Trump signed nine pieces of bipartisan legislation to combat human trafficking, both within the United States and across the globe. The former president also approved a Department of Justice grant package to help combat human trafficking, including the first-ever grants for safe housing for survivors, according to Trump White House archives.

In 2019, Ballard was invited to the White House by Trump to share his experiences on saving children from human trafficking and highlight the importance of Trump’s border wall along the Southern border.

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As of Tuesday, Sound of Freedom has grossed $49,497,837 at the box office since its release on July 4. On Tuesday, the film made $3,829,243, outgrossing other recent films with a wider release, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Insidious: The Red Door.

On Monday, the Washington Examiner's Sarah Bedford discussed the surprise success of the film and how it could potentially "open up the door" for other movies that appeal to a conservative audience. Bedford also noted how the film shows smaller production companies and studios what can be possible when they make "good content that caters to the other half of the country."

Two PGA officials to testify to Senate committee over LIV Golf merger

Misty Severi

July 03, 04:05 PM July 03, 04:05 PM

Two PGA Tour golf officials will testify as witnesses in front of a Senate subcommittee hearing on the LIV Golf merger next week, the committee's leaders announced Monday.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will hear testimony from PGA Tour COO Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne on July 11, subcommittee Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and ranking member Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) said in a joint statement.

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“We appreciate the PGA Tour working with us and look forward to a robust, thoughtful exchange with both Ron Price and Jimmy Dunne on July 11, focusing on the details and background of this deal and what it means for this cherished American institution,” Blumenthal and Johnson said in the statement.

LIV Golf, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced an agreement last month for the creation of a new, unnamed, for-profit entity that will combine the commercial businesses of all three. The agreement also maintains PGA Tour Inc., a tax-exempt organization, will remain in place and will retain "administrative oversight of events for those assets contributed by the PGA TOUR, including the sanctioning of events."

The subcommittee also sought testimony from LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, and the Saudi investment fund’s governor, Yasir Al Rumayyan but was told Norman and Rumayyan were unable to testify next week because of scheduling conflicts.

“We regret that Governor al-Rumayyan and Mr. Norman’s scheduling conflicts will prevent them from attending the July 11 hearing,” the senators said.

“Both Governor al-Rumayyan and Mr. Norman have valuable information to share about the operations of the Public Investment Fund, the future of LIV Golf, and Saudi Arabia’s plans to invest in golf and other sports. Consistent with our subcommittee’s practice, we look forward to working with both witnesses to find a mutually agreeable date for them to appear in the very near future.”

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced his own investigation into the merger last month, particularly as it relates to national security and antitrust laws.

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"The merger raises significant questions about whether organizations that tie themselves to an authoritarian regime that has continually undermined the rule of law should continue to enjoy tax-exempt status [within the U.S.]," Wyden wrote in a memo about the investigation.

PGA Senior Vice President of Communications Joel Schuchmann said the company looks forward to the hearing to answer senators' questions, according to NBC News.

Trump says he believes LIV-PGA merger will go through: 'Very good for golf'

Brady Knox

July 02, 04:45 PM July 02, 04:45 PM

Former President Donald Trump spoke favorably of the controversial merger between LIV Golf and PGA Tour.

In an appearance on Andrew Giuliani's radio show, Trump, a noted fan and player of golf, said that he believes the merger between the golfing giants will go through, and that it will be a good thing. However, he did note that while he believes the merger will happen, there is the possibility it won't work.

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"Well, I told a lot of golfers, 'take the money and run,' because, in my opinion, there'll be a merger," to which he presented three options; "it'll either merge, it'll work, or it won't work."

"In any event, if you're a golfer, you take the money, and you run because you have to do that," he continued. "It just made sense. And a lot of great golfers were offered over 10s of millions of dollars, and they didn't take it, and then the merger was announced, and they didn't take it, so I don't know how they how they're feeling about themselves right now."

"But they should have," Trump added. "They should have listened to me. I said there'll be a merger; that was my opinion. But even if there wasn't, even if it failed, the money was upfront."

The former president then praised LIV Golf, one of Saudi Arabia's many sports investments, and with whom he has had a controversial relationship.

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"The Saudis are very, very good people," he said. "I know them very well. They'll do; I think they're gonna do a great job. The tour had a chance to do some great things with them, and they turned them down, and now they're paying a pretty rough price. But it wasn't handled well by the Tour, that I can tell you. And I think ultimately, though, it's going to be very big and very strong and very good for golf."

Trump has hosted LIV Golf tournaments on his own golf courses and had predicted a merger with PGA Tour would happen as early as last year.

Blumenthal says there's a 'real risk' in PGA and LIV merger: 'Want to get to the bottom of it'

Jack Birle

June 18, 05:26 PM June 19, 09:53 AM

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) discussed the Senate's investigation into the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, saying there is a "real risk" with the proposed agreement.

While speaking on CBS News's Face the Nation on Sunday, Blumenthal said the aim of the Senate's investigation is to understand how and why the deal came to be.

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"The permanent subcommittee on investigations, which I chair, is essentially trying to uncover the facts about what went into this deal, who was behind it, and whether there was any improper conduct or wrongdoing, and what the structure and governance will be of the entity going forward. There are very, very few details," Blumenthal said.

The agreement, announced earlier this month between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will create a new, unnamed, for-profit entity that will combine the commercial businesses of the three. The agreement also maintains PGA Tour Inc., a tax-exempt organization, will remain in place and will retain "administrative oversight of events for those assets contributed by the PGA TOUR, including the sanctioning of events."

The Connecticut Democrat then accused the country of using sports investment to repair its image, commonly referred to as "sports-washing." Blumenthal followed up with several accusations about actions the Saudi government has allegedly been involved in.

"Remember, what we have here is essentially a repressive, autocratic foreign government taking control over an iconic, cherished American institution for the clear purpose of cleansing its public image. The Saudis have very been explicit that they have an objective here," Blumenthal said.

"They’ve been in numerous maligned activities antithetical to American interest and values, killing Jamal Khashoggi, as you mentioned, as well as other journalists, torturing and imprisoning dissidents and critics, and supporting anti-democratic activities, even terrorist activities, like 9/11, as well as the internal war in Yemen. So, there's a real risk to American interests in the Saudis taking over this American institution. We want to get to the bottom of it," Blumenthal continued.

Several groups, including 9/11 victims groups, have long believed the Saudi government had a larger role in the terrorist attacks than previously claimed. The Saudi government has maintained that any connections to the hijackers are purely coincidental.

Blumenthal said that subpoenas are on the table, with the possibility of a hearing coming "within weeks." He also said the PGA and LIV deal has factors involving national security.

"I think there are national security implications to this deal. Anytime there is foreign influence by a repressive regime over a central American institution, there is a security risk. And remember, this institution plays a central role in our society, the players are ambassadors and role models, and there are economic implications: The Travelers tournament beginning this week is going to have an economic impact on local economies in Connecticut in the tens of millions of dollars," Blumenthal added.

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The Justice Department is also reportedly scrutinizing the announced deal to merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. When asked by the Washington Examiner if an investigation had been opened into the deal, the DOJ declined to comment.

LIV Golf was one of Saudi Arabia's many investments in sports, with the PGA Tour reportedly coming to the table to merge with the upstart league due to its inability to compete with the seemingly endless money LIV had access to, with a PGA spokesperson calling that explanation an "oversimplification."

US Open: Inside the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club drawing the sporting world's attention this weekend

Jack Birle

June 15, 03:00 PM June 15, 03:57 PM

The U.S. Open is being hosted at the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club for the first time in the club's history, with the world getting an up-close look at one of the most mysterious golf courses in the country.

The north course, which dates back to 1911, has seldom hosted outside events, but after extensive renovations completed in 2010, it hosted the Walker Cup in September 2017 and is now hosting the U.S. Open.

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“It’s a perfect opportunity to take the U.S. Open to Los Angeles,” then-U.S. Golf Association President Thomas J. O’Toole Jr. said in a statement announcing the LACC as the venue for the 2023 U.S. Open in 2015.

The USGA said that after the extensive renovation to the north course, members of the Los Angeles Country Club reached out with interest in hosting the Walker Cup, which led to it opening its doors to golf's best for the U.S. Open in 2023.

In an interview featured in the Orange County Register, LACC President Gene Sykes said he could not explain the reason for the extensive privacy concerns by the club but that the culture was one of pride when he joined.

“By the time I joined, which was around the turn of the 21st century, the club’s culture was one of being proud and really delighted at what the club was. It was a very compatible environment, quite friendly and so forth, but generally low profile," Sykes said.

The country club has been known for denying actors and celebrities membership.

Singer and actor Bing Crosby purchased a home alongside the golf course and expected to gain membership but was one of numerous Hollywood celebrities who have been denied, per Sports Illustrated.

There are several other famous homes around the Beverly Hills course, including Lionel Richie's mansion and the infamous Playboy Mansion, once owned by Hugh Hefner.

Hefner owned the property from 1971 to 2016 and attempted on multiple occasions to get a membership to the country club. He also reportedly asked permission to create a gate connecting his backyard to the golf course. The rumored gate was never built connecting the two.

The property, which is a licensed zoo, is still home to various exotic animals that golfers on the 14th hole will be able to hear while they play this weekend. The property has been home to monkeys, cockatoos, and peacocks, among other noisy animals, per Golf Digest.

With this 2023 U.S. Open, the general public will get a look at the hidden golf course in the middle of La-La Land, but it will not be the last time the LACC will be in the spotlight. The LACC is already slated to host the U.S. Women’s Open in 2032, along with hosting the men's U.S. Open again in 2039.

The 2023 U.S. Open is the first to be hosted in the Los Angeles area since 1948, when it was played at the Riviera Country Club. Collin Morikawa, a professional golfer from the Los Angeles area, is finally getting a shot at the golf course this weekend, saying that he has been looking forward to it since it was announced eight years ago.

“This is a major that I cared about when I was in college and I knew about LACC hosting a U.S. Open. I didn't know where my path was going to be. I didn't know if I was going to be on tour, if I was going to have to qualify for this, and, right, four years, pretty much four years since I've been pro," Morikawa said Tuesday.

“I didn't know where I was going to be, but this is the one that I wanted to make it and be at just because it is home for me. This week means so much. It always will be. It'll always be really special,” he continued.

When Los Angeles hosts the Summer Olympics in 2028, golf will be played at the Riviera Country Club, which hosts the annual Genesis Invitational, rather than the Los Angeles Country Club.

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The first tee time for the second round of the U.S. Open is at 6:45 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, with the third and final rounds expected to begin at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Coverage of the third and final rounds will be televised on NBC.

As the golf world is focused on the U.S. Open, the U.S. government is scrutinizing the announced deal to merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The Justice Department and the Senate Finance Committee have both reportedly opened investigations into the proposed merger.

PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger being investigated by DOJ: Report

Jack Birle

June 15, 12:26 PM June 15, 12:45 PM

The Justice Department will reportedly review the planned merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

The DOJ investigation, on the basis of antitrust concerns, is being reported more than a week after the competing golf leagues announced plans to merge.

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The PGA Tour is under investigation by the Justice Department for allegations of anti-competitive practices related to suspending golfers who defected to LIV Golf, but the new merger is now reportedly under similar scrutiny.

The Federal Trade Commission typically handles sports mergers, but the Justice Department appears to be taking the reins in investigating the blockbuster golf merger.

The agreement announced last week between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will create a new unnamed for-profit entity that will combine the commercial businesses of the three. The agreement also maintains PGA Tour Inc., a tax-exempt organization, will remain in place and will retain "administrative oversight of events for those assets contributed by the PGA TOUR, including the sanctioning of events."

In a statement announcing the merger, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said the merger would "create an organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans."

"We are pleased to move forward, in step with LIV and PIF’s world-class investing experience, and I applaud PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan for his vision and collaborative and forward-thinking approach that is not just a solution to the rift in our game, but also a commitment to taking it to new heights. This will engender a new era in global golf, for the better,” Monahan said.

LIV Golf was one of Saudi Arabia's many investments in sport, with the PGA Tour reportedly coming to the table to merge with the upstart league because it could not compete with the seemingly endless money LIV had access to. A PGA spokesperson said that explanation was an "oversimplification."

Shortly after the DOJ investigation was reported, the Senate Finance Committee announced it is opening a "wide-ranging investigation" into the planned merger. Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to PGA leadership requesting information regarding the planned agreement and possible implications regarding national security on Thursday.

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The reported dual investigations come as the golf world is focused on the U.S. Open, which is being held at the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club for the first time.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the investigation when contacted by the Washington Examiner.