Lawmakers skewer surprise PGA-LIV merger but not everyone's angry: 'It's always about the money'

FOX Business reporter Lauren Simonetti joined Americas Newsroom to break down what the change means for the world of golf. 

Lawmakers weighed in on the bombshell merger announcement between the PGA and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, with some criticizing the deal as a turnaround focused on money.

"So weird. PGA officials were in my office just months ago talking about how the Saudis' human rights record should disqualify them from having a stake in a major American sport," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said on Twitter Tuesday.

"I guess maybe their concerns weren't really about human rights?" he added. 

The PGA Tour released a statement earlier in the day confirming that the Tour, Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the DP World reached an agreement with a goal to "​​unify the game of golf, on a global basis."

The LIV Golf Invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 26, 2022, in New Jersey. (Mike Stobe/LIV Golf/via Getty Images)

PGA TOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK MERGER WITH SAUDI-BACKED LIV GOLF

The news was a pronounced about-face from PGA commissioner Jay Monahan's comments last year that any potential truce with the rival LIV was "off the table." 

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus stated, "In the end, it’s always about the money. Saudi Arabia just bought themselves a one-world golf government."

Sen. Chris Murphy said on Twitter, "So weird. PGA officials were in my office just months ago talking about how the Saudis' human rights record should disqualify them from having a stake in a major American sport." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

JACK NICKLAUS TAKES SWING AT LIV GOLFERS: 'I DON’T EVEN CONSIDER THOSE GUYS PART OF THE GAME ANYMORE'

Conversely, Rep. Nancy