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PGA Tour golfers frustrated they didn’t know about the deal with LIV Golf beforehand

The golf world was stunned by the PGA Tour-LIV Golf deal, and apparently, so were the ones on the tours.

The announcement Tuesday morning was a shocker since the PGA Tour and its players have been critical of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, primarily because it is funded entirely by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth investment fund of the Saudi government, which has been accused of wide-ranging human rights abuses, including politically motivated killings, torture, forced disappearances and inhumane treatment of prisoners.

When the announcement was made, PGA Tour golfers voiced their displeasure on Twitter with how they found out about the deal, with many saying that they found out through social media.

OPINION: PGA Tour sold out to LIV Golf and the Saudis. Pro golf will never be the same.

PGA Tour golfers not notified of PGA-LIV deal

Here are what golfers have said about finding out when the deal was made:

  • Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa gave a sarcastic reaction on Twittersaying, “I love finding out morning news on Twitter.”

  • Canadian golfer Mackenzie Hughes said he also found out about the news on Twitter, adding how the PGA Tour is merging with a tour “we said we’d never do that with.”

  • Michael Kim wondered how many people knew the deal was going to take place, while also mentioning that the PGA Tour has called itself a “player run organization”

  • Wesley Bryan also said he found out about the news on Twitter. He added that he feels “betrayed” and those involved in the deal should feel ashamed.

Collin Morikawa lines up a putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Collin Morikawa lines up a putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Greg Norman unaware of deal

PGA Tour golfers weren’t the only people left in the dark about the deal.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, who has been the public face of the league, was unaware of the deal until moments before it was announced, according to PIF Gov. Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

“He is aware. I made a call just before this. Of course, he’s a partner with us. All the stakeholders with us had a call right before this interview,” Al-Rumayyan said on his appearance on CNBC announcing the deal.

Norman has yet to publicly comment on the merger.

The PGA Tour is scheduled to meet with its players at 4 pm ET Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PGA Tour golfers frustrated they didn’t know about deal with LIV Golf