June 14 (UPI) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has taken an indefinite leave of absence to recover from a medical issue, according to an announcement from the golf league. This news comes during a time of criticism and calls for Monahan’s resignation due to the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
In a joint statement, Monahan and the PGA Tour policy board said, “Jay Monahan informed the PGA Tour policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation. The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy.”
During Monahan’s absence, PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and Executive Vice President and President Tyler Dennis will handle day-to-day operations. Updates on Monahan’s status will be provided as deemed appropriate.
The PGA Tour, along with Europe’s DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf Series, recently announced a merger agreement to resolve legal battles, player feuds, and tournament banishments that have spanned two years.
Players who declined offers to join the breakaway league expressed their surprise and some publicly criticized Monahan for his involvement in the merger, despite previously speaking out against the rival league.
Australian golfer Geoff Ogilvy, who attended a meeting with Monahan on the day of the merger announcement, referred to the commissioner as a “hypocrite” during the session. Rory McIlroy, the third-ranked golfer in the world, later called Monahan’s stance “hypocritical” during a news conference.
Ogilvy stated, “The [PGA Tour] players here just want the loyal players rewarded and not almost punished for staying. He was quoted as saying none of those [LIV Golf] players will ever come back and play on the PGA Tour. Well, it sort of feels like it may be an avenue back now.”
Players described the atmosphere of the private meeting with Monahan as “angry” and “contentious,” with some demanding changes within the PGA Tour’s executive ranks, including the potential resignation of the commissioner.
Golfer Johnson Wagner recounted, “There were many moments where certain players were calling for new leadership of the PGA Tour and even received a couple of standing ovations.”
Previously, Monahan criticized the breakaway league due to Saudi Arabia’s alleged “attempt to buy golf” and its connections to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, he later acknowledged the criticism and stated that circumstances change.
According to the merger agreement, Monahan was set to become the CEO of the new entity, which is expected to start competing in 2024. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, was scheduled to join the PGA Tour’s policy board and serve as chairman of the joint venture.
Players who left the PGA Tour to join the breakaway league will have the opportunity to be reconsidered for readmission after the 2023 season. The first major tournament since the merger announcement, the 2023 U.S. Open, will take place from Thursday to Sunday at Los Angeles Country Club.
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