A US Senate hearing is to be held into the controversial partnership between the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, with leading figures including Greg Norman summoned to attend.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and LIV Golf CEO Norman have been asked to appear at a meeting on July 11 to examine the shock merger.

The PGA Tour announced a fortnight ago it was creating a new commercial entity with the European Tour and PIF, a move it said would “unify golf” and which brought to an end a legal dispute between the two main protagonists.

The surprise merger has attracted criticism, with the Senate quickly announcing it would open an investigation.

“Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the investigating committee, said in a statement.

“Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be.

“Major actors in the deal are best positioned to provide this information and they owe Congress – and the American people – answers in a public setting.”

Senator Richard Johnson, who also sits on the committee, added: “Fans, the players, and concerned citizens have many questions about the planned agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

“I look forward to hearing testimony from the individuals who are in the best positions to provide insight to the public regarding the current state of professional golf.

“I hope that this hearing and any other role that Congress plays in this matter will be constructive.”