Tensions rise ahead of tomorrow's third PGA major of the year

The GIST: The PGA’s third major of the year tees off tomorrow with betrayal as the backdrop after last week’s bombshell news that the PGA Tour intends to merge with rival LIV Golf, a deal that’s come under continued scrutiny.

Off the course: As discussed on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It, on Monday, the U.S. Senate opened an inquiry into the new alliance, given LIV Golf’s support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The committee is scrutinizing the lack of public details about the agreement and questioning why the Tour reversed course after repeatedly criticizing Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing.

• The PGA and LIV now have two weeks to hand over all documents related to the case. Tick tock.

On the course: The news comes as PGA and LIV golfers prepare to hit the links together for just the third time this season, with the biggest purse of the year on the line. And the stakes have never been higher. The two tours are tied with one winner apiece in major play this year: the PGA’s Jon Rahm won the Masters back in April, while LIV’s Brooks Koepka won the PGA Championship last month.

• One group Full Swingwill undoubtedly be following closely? The 4:54 p.m. ET start, which features LIV leaper Koepka teeing off with PGA loyalist Rory McIlroy. Tense doesn’t do it justice.