Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund governor is currently evading testifying in the United States Senate’s investigation into the partnership between the PGA Tour and PIF, according to a claim made by a U.S. Senator. In a recently disclosed letter, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has responded to PIF
governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s assertion that he is an “inappropriate witness.” Al-Rumayyan’s argument rests on being a “minister bound by the Kingdom’s laws regarding the confidentiality of certain information,” and his counsel contends that diplomatic immunity complicates the subcommittee’s request for PIF documents.
However, Senator Blumenthal points out that this same argument was previously rejected when Al-Rumayyan attempted to assert it in the PGA Tour’s countersuit against LIV Golf. Federal magistrate judge Susan van Keulen ruled against LIV’s claims that Al-Rumayyan and PIF were protected by sovereign immunity laws. Blumenthal underlines that PIF cannot simultaneously engage in U.S. commercial dealings while expecting exemption from U.S. law and oversight. Blumenthal insists that both Al-Rumayyan’s testimony and the requested documents are necessary for the subcommittee’s investigation, which aims to comprehend PIF’s U.S. investments and plans.
Al-Rumayyan is a key figure in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s inner circle and is central to the Golf Saudi and LIV Golf projects. He brokered a significant agreement between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and board members Jimmy Dunne and Ed Herlihy. This deal resolved a year-long dispute and legal conflict between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. While the PGA Tour asserts control over LIV Golf’s future as part of the agreement, Al-Rumayyan’s influence raises questions about his potential final say in the matter. He is also expected to chair the new for-profit entity formed by PIF, the PGA Tour, and DP World Tour.
Although Al-Rumayyan was invited to testify before the U.S. Senate in June, he and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman declined, citing scheduling conflicts. Senator Blumenthal questions the validity of these scheduling conflicts and calls for Al-Rumayyan’s compliance in producing documents by August 18th and appearing before the PSI on September 13th. Blumenthal assures that the PSI will explore all avenues to ensure Al-Rumayyan’s cooperation.
Blumenthal emphasizes that the proposed partnership between PGA Tour and PIF warrants scrutiny due to concerns about the Saudi government’s influence and potential risks to American interests. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States could review this alliance, assessing any threats to national security. Blumenthal has even raised the possibility of revoking the PGA Tour’s tax-exempt status due to the Saudi deal. Despite the partnership being a for-profit entity, Blumenthal remains vigilant about the potential implications.
