Reigning US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick answered several questions Monday about the historic merger between the PGA tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), but the English golfer had little information to offer outside of what is already public knowledge.
«I’ll be completely honest. I literally know as much as you guys,» he told reporters before this. tournament of the year
England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick celebrates with the trophy after winning the US Open at The Country Club on June 19, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Julio Cortes)
«I found out when everyone else found out and, yeah, honestly, I literally don’t know anything.»
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The PGA Tour announced last week that it would partner with the PIF and the DP World Tour that would combine all three tours into one entity. The announcement took many by surprise, including members of the tour.
«I just don’t know what’s going on,» Fitzpatrick added Monday.
«I don’t think anyone knows what’s going on. Are we signing with the PIF? Are we not signing with the PIF? I have no idea. Although I guess it’s confusing, it’s pretty clear that no one knows what’s going on apart.» of about four people in the world».
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick plays his shot from the first tee during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 4, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Commissioner Jay Monahan tried to set the record straight for lawmakers in Washington.
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In a letter sent Friday, Monahan clarified that the deal was not a merger and that the PGA Tour would not relinquish control.
«The PGA Tour will at all times have a majority of the Board seats and control of this new entity, regardless of the size of PIF’s investment,» Monahan wrote in the letter obtained by The Associated Press.
«In essence, the PIF is investing in the PGA Tour as it has invested in other US-based companies. The PGA Tour and its tournaments will continue to operate as they do today, generating significant charitable and economic impact in the communities where are carried out». they play».
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan speaks during a press conference before the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 24, 2022 in Atlanta. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
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Monahan also seemed to place the blame, saying the tour was «left on our own to defend ourselves» from the resulting threat posed by the rival circuit.
«During this intense battle, we met with various members of Congress and policy experts to discuss the PIF’s attempt to take over the game of golf in the United States, and suggested ways Congress could support us in these efforts,» Monahan wrote. .
«While we are grateful for the written statements of support we received from certain members, we were largely left alone to fend off attacks, apparently due to the United States’ complex geopolitical alliance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.