PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has stepped away from his daily responsibilities due to a medical situation, the organization announced. The specifics of Monahan's health issue remain undisclosed. The PGA Tour expressed its full support for Monahan and requested privacy during this time.
In the interim, Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and Executive Vice President Tyler Dennis will oversee day-to-day operations, supported by the existing leadership team. This announcement comes shortly before the U.S. Open and amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding the recently announced partnership between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
A letter from Monahan to lawmakers, dated June 9th, recently surfaced, revealing his assertion that the PGA Tour was "left on its own" to counter Saudi Arabia's efforts to gain influence within the sport. Monahan claimed the Tour invested heavily in legal battles against LIV Golf, diverting resources from player benefits and charitable initiatives. He suggested the organization sought congressional support but received limited assistance due to the U.S.'s relationship with Saudi Arabia. The recipients of this letter remain unidentified.
Monahan's absence adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial alliance between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which has drawn criticism from players and is currently under investigation by Senator Richard Blumenthal. The timing of this announcement raises questions about the future of the partnership and the leadership of the PGA Tour.
