Golf legend Tom Watson has voiced his concerns and demanded clarification regarding the PGA Tour's recent alliance with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. In a letter addressed to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, the board, and his fellow players, Watson questioned the financial necessity of the deal and the ethical implications of partnering with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The eight-time major champion's letter, obtained by the Associated Press, comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the partnership. Watson specifically asked if the deal was the sole solution to the tour's financial challenges and expressed his concerns about the perceived hypocrisy of overlooking moral considerations. The timing of the letter, following Wyndham Clark's U.S. Open victory, redirects attention back to the contentious issue that has dominated golf discourse for the past three years.

The PGA Tour's announcement of the partnership on June 6th sent shockwaves through the golfing world. The agreement aims to consolidate commercial operations under one umbrella, with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan slated to be chairman and Monahan as CEO. However, details about the agreement remain scarce, leaving many players, including Watson, seeking answers.

While the PGA Tour maintains it will retain voting control in the new entity, the future of LIV Golf remains uncertain. Players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau have indicated they anticipate a 2024 season, adding to the ambiguity surrounding the merger's long-term implications. The agreement stipulates that all ongoing litigation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will be dismissed, eliminating a potential legal battle that could have stretched into 2024.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) has suggested that congressional hearings on the matter could take place within weeks. Blumenthal, chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, emphasized the need for transparency and expressed concerns about a foreign government gaining control over a prominent American institution. He stated the subcommittee's desire to understand the motivations and details of the agreement.

Watson's letter echoes the sentiments of many who question the ethics and long-term ramifications of the partnership. He specifically called for greater transparency to address the concerns of those affected, particularly the families of 9/11 victims. The Justice Department has also initiated a review of the agreement to assess potential antitrust violations, further complicating the situation.

The PGA Tour's deal with the PIF continues to generate debate and uncertainty, with many awaiting further details and clarification on its long-term effects on the sport.