On Tuesday, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan took the center stage as he attended a press conference before the 50th Players Championship this week. In this, the top boss spoke on various topics and firmly expressed his confidence on the ongoing merger deal to go through.
In June 2023, Jay Monahan shocked the golfing world when he shook hands with the Governor of Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir Al-Rumayyan and agreed on a deal. Since then, he has been under the wrath of fans and players.
Recently, the 53-year-old reportedly flew to Saudi Arabia to meet up Al-Rumayyan. This meeting took place to speed up the negotiation process.
Speaking at the press conference at TPC Sawgrass, Monahan said that the talks between the two bodies are “accelerating” and that there will be a “positive outcome” from this huge deal.
I recently met with the governor of the PIF, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and our negotiations are accelerating as we spend time together... It’s going to take time, but I reiterate what I said at the Tour Championship in August. I see a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and the sport as a whole. Jay Monahan in the Players Championship press conference.
The PGA Tour commissioner though is not the only one who is confident about this merger talks. Recently, outgoing DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley also sided with the tour and expressed his confidence in the deal to go through. However, the Canadian International was not sure when will it actually happen.
Monahan also remained remained tight-lipped over how the deal was going or much progress had been made. This has once again raised the questions whether this merger will go through before the April deadline or will the deadline be extended again.
Jay Monahan ignores questions regarding Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf
As Jay Monahan spoke about the merger and gave other golf updates, he was also asked about the move of Jon Rahm to LIV Golf. The Commissioner though did not seem interested in speaking about the 2023 Masters winner and completely ignored him.
When asked about how Rahm’s move could possibly see more players leave the tour during the merger talks and whether that worried him, Monahan claimed he was only “worried” about the tour and the things he can control.
I’m focused on every single member of the PGA Tour. I’m focused on the Players Championship this week. I’m focused on the great season that we have ahead. Jay Monahan when asked about Jon Rahm’s leave.
Rahm was one of the top members of the PGA Tour during their battle with LIV Golf. After the fans turned their back on Monahan during the merger announcement, the Spanish international had backed him and claimed he had done a great job for the tour.
It now seems there is some hostility between the two and perhaps the reason for it could be how Rahm jumped ships. The two-time major winner left the tour in December 2023 and joined LIV Golf on a $600 million deal, making him one of the highest paid player of golf.
More must-reads: