DOJ Investigating PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger for Antitrust Issues

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently investigating the recent decision by the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf to merge, as there are concerns that this collaboration may violate U.S. antitrust laws.

The DOJ has informed the PGA about the ongoing investigation, which has cast uncertainty over the merger and may potentially delay the finalization of the deal, according to The Wall Street Journal. The PGA and LIV Golf, two factions that were previously at odds, announced their decision to merge just last week.

Unifying the Game of Golf

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed the significance of the merger, stating, “There’s been a lot of tension in our sport over the last couple years. What we’re talking about today is coming together to unify the game of golf, and to do so under one umbrella.” He further emphasized, “We’ve recognized that together we can have a far greater impact on this game than we can working apart. The game of golf is better for what we’ve done here today.”

The golf circuits were already under DOJ scrutiny due to antitrust concerns even before the merger was publicly announced.

The merger is still in its early stages, and many details have yet to be finalized. Even without the Justice Department’s investigation, the agreement was at risk of falling through if the partners could not reach a consensus on the specifics.

Over the past year, the Saudi-backed circuit has been luring top talent from the PGA with lucrative offers, attracting athletes like Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka. The PGA has been actively criticizing LIV Golf for its ties to Saudi Arabia.

Monahan acknowledged the potential hypocrisy in his stance, stating, “I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite. Anytime I said anything, I said it with the information that I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that’s trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change.”

The announcement of the merger has shocked many, with one of the most pointed criticisms coming from a charity representing 9/11 victims’ families.

“Our entire 9/11 community feels betrayed by Commissioner Monahan and the PGA, as it appears their concern for our loved ones was merely window-dressing in their quest for money,” expressed Terry Strada, Chair of 9/11 Families United in a statement.