Sports

...before I jump to that conclusion.
I think it more likely that Saudis are using golf to sanitize their image (as if) and perhaps clean dirty money.
So far, nothing suggests they're running anything. And, the deal has been struck, so if they take their ball & go home, they'll get sued.
Fact is, LIV was hemorrhaging money. Ratings for 3 rounds here on Chicago TV were 30% of Thursdays on Golf Channel for the Tour event. They're not selling out at the gate either, despite the lower ticket price.
The Saudis admitted there was a limit to the cash flow, and this merger gave them more for their money.
Their attempt to clean their image is polishing a turd.