Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour stops in North Texas

• LIV has been controversial since it launched in 2022, partly because it is funded by the Saudi government.

Catch up fast: Critics argue that the Saudi government is funding the golf tour to "sportswash" its global image.

• The PGA Tour initially criticized the tour over human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia and suspended players who took part in the inaugural LIV tournament.
• Last year, the two groups announced they planned to merge. That has yet to happen.

The latest: PGA Tour officials met with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund last week to discuss the planned merger. No deal has been officially reached.

Zoom in: This year's team championship takes place at the private Maridoe Golf Club, owned by Dallas oilman Albert Huddleston, who is married to Mary Hunt of the famed oil family.

• The 212-acre club opened in 2017. Jordan Spieth is a member.
• SMU graduate and two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau's team is leading the LIV standings.

How it works: LIV tournaments are shorter than PGA events, taking place over three days instead of four.

• LIV features fewer players. There are more than 100 players in a typical PGA tournament, and individuals are cut based on scores. In the LIV, 54 players golf all weekend.
• The tournaments have shotgun starts, meaning everyone starts playing at once, instead of having staggered tee times as in the PGA.
• LIV puts golfers in teams of four.

If you go: The tournament tees off at 11:15am Friday and Saturday and 11:05am Sunday.

• The gates and fan village close at 5pm Friday and 6pm Saturday and Sunday.
• One-day tickets start at $34. A three-day pass starts at $102.