Commissioner Monahan's Sudden Sick Leave... Ram Says "Feeling Betrayed by Merger"

Price and Dennis, Acting Co-Commissioners
PGA Remaining Players "Have Lost Trust in the Executive Board"

Jay Monahan, the commissioner of the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour, has suddenly taken medical leave.

On the 13th (local time), the PGA Tour announced, "Monahan has become unable to perform his duties due to health issues," adding, "Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and Senior Vice President Tyler Dennis will jointly serve as acting commissioners." Monahan recently made a sudden decision to merge with LIV Golf, led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and to form a joint venture with PIF. He has continuously faced criticism for effectively selling the PGA Tour to PIF.

Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, has suddenly taken a medical leave due to health issues.

The PGA Tour stated, "Commissioner Monahan has informed the board that he is recovering his health," and "the board fully supports Commissioner Monahan," dismissing any possibility of resignation. The exact timing of Monahan's return to duty was not disclosed. Monahan has been leading the PGA Tour since his appointment in 2017, marking his sixth year in the role.

Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the merger with LIV Golf. Jon Rahm (Spain), world number two and this year's Masters champion, pointed out at an official press conference two days before the US Open began, "Many players feel betrayed." He targeted the PGA Tour leadership that decided on the merger with LIV Golf, saying, "We want trust. But this time, there was no consensus."

Rahm lamented, "I was taking care of my child at home when I heard the merger news through the media," adding, "It must have been difficult for players to wake up and hear such shocking news." Rahm and many other players expressed disappointment over the lack of communication between the PGA Tour leadership, including Commissioner Monahan, and the players. The players showed anxiety not only about the process leading to the merger but also about the lack of explanation regarding how the tour will be operated in the future. Collin Morikawa (USA) said, "We want to know the reasons for the merger," and added, "Each party has different positions, and the explanations are all different."