• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Law

PGA Tour Raises LIV Golf Concerns to U.S. Lawmakers

  • The PGA Tour has reportedly paid $360,000 for lobbying efforts since last year.
  • One of the topics to Tour hired DLA Piper to lobby for on its behalf is “Saudi Golf League proposals.”
LIV-Golf
Reuters via USA TODAY Sports

The PGA Tour was concerned about LIV Golf long before its members started transitioning to the Saudi Arabia-backed league.

The Tour has reportedly paid $360,000 to DLA Piper since last year to lobby lawmakers on their behalf. One of the topics, of course, is “Saudi Golf League proposals.”

  • From the beginning of April to the end of June, the PGA Tour paid $120,000 — the most it’s ever spent on lobbying in a given time period.
  • The Tour reportedly spent the same amount in the first half of 2004 in an effort to receive federal appropriations and grants for a charity golf program.

Advisors to President Joe Biden reportedly proposed a meeting with a PGA Tour representative and Saudi Arabia’s U.S. ambassador, but the Tour declined.

“We welcome good, healthy competition,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said. “The LIV Saudi Golf League is not that. It’s an irrational threat, one not concerned with the return on investment or true growth of the game.”

Meanwhile, LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said she’d be open to a discussion with former PGA Tour member Greg Norman, who leads LIV Golf, “if it would achieve our aim of promoting women’s golf.”

LIVing Large

Many stars are transitioning to LIV Golf because of the money involved. LIV Golf raised $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund earlier this year, and has signed contracts with a number of PGA Tour golfers including Phil Mickelson, who reportedly inked a $200 million deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
opinion

How Rory McIlroy Became Golf’s Lightning Rod

Is McIlroy a hypocrite for ripping fans after his own f-bombs?

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium.

UK Judge Rules John Textor Owes $97M Tied to Failed Soccer Deal

Textor plans to appeal, while Iconic Sports intends to collect.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
October 15, 2025

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.
FBI
October 17, 2025

Former Everton Bidder Indicted for $500 Million Fraud Scheme

777 Partners failed to complete its purchase of Everton in 2023.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
October 13, 2025

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.