Jay Monahan Takes Medical Leave Amid Controversial Merger
In breaking news, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is recovering from what has been described as a medical issue and will be taking time off, with leadership duties being temporarily assumed by PGA Tour executives Ron Price and Tyler Dennis.
Merger Fervor
As we may see on PGA Tour news, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is recuperating from what has been dubbed a “medical issue” less than two weeks after his organization merged with their archrivals, Saudi-backed LIV Golf, in a highly contentious decision.
The stunning announcement that the two former enemies would suddenly become one happy family proved to be an awkward – to say the least – moment for Monahan.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is stepping away from day-to-day operations as he recovers from a medical situation.
More: https://t.co/DPjXT542RV pic.twitter.com/URll1JhOSt
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 14, 2023
You see, the commissioner was the one who wagged a sanctimonious finger at the golfers who left the hallowed halls of the PGA for the staggering money being offered by the newly-minted, Saudi-backed LIV Golf contingent.
You might recall this gem not too long ago when he essentially questioned the golfer’s patriotism as he mingled the memory of the 911 attacks with the business of golf, implying the same entity shelling out obscene amounts of money for the former PGA’ers was also responsible for the tragic events.
“I have two families that are close to me that have lost loved ones. My heart goes out to them, and I would ask that any player that has left, or that would ever consider leaving, have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?” said Monahan.
But once LIV Golf decided to pay off the PGA, Monahan’s demeanor changed after he accepted the same “blood money” he accused his traitorous golfers of taking.
“I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite. Anytime I said anything, I said it with the information that I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that’s trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change. I think that in looking at the big picture and looking at it this way, that’s what got us to this point,” rationalized Monahan.
With @PGATOUR and @livgolf_league agreeing to combine, what will the new organization look like?
Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan break down the details with @davidfaber. pic.twitter.com/z62iNxNd5Y
— Squawk on the Street (@SquawkStreet) June 6, 2023
Senate Investigations
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman both received inquiry letters from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, notifying them of the DOJ’s investigation into the alliance.
Today I am opening a probe into the PGA Tour merger as Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
I am demanding information from PGA & LIV on how they came to this agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund & how this new entity will be structured & operated. pic.twitter.com/zR5AhwU3PS
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) June 12, 2023
“While few details about the agreement are known, PIF’s role as an arm of the Saudi government and PGA Tour’s sudden and drastic reversal of position concerning LIV Golf raise serious questions regarding the reasons for and terms behind the announced agreement,” Blumenthal wrote to Monahan.
And while Monahan has been the subject of scorn and ridicule from all sides, it should be noted that the 53-year-old Boston native has made tremendous contributions to the game by developing lucrative corporate partnerships while cultivating new domestic and foreign markets.
It’s easy to stand on the sidelines, point fingers, and create golf rumors, but we don’t know all the reasons why Monahan decided to sell out to the Saudis. Perhaps the blizzard of litigation between the two groups would have ultimately led to the Tour’s financial demise, prompting Monahan to conclude it was better to survive than die.
Whatever the case, we wish Mr. Monahan all the best and hope he will be back in good health soon.
Jay Monahan recovering from his illness this weekend pic.twitter.com/x7Lr4HXa5v
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) June 14, 2023
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