LOS ANGELES — Much the way the details from last week’s stunning announcement of an alliance between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remain a mystery to all involved, so, too, does the condition of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who it was revealed on Tuesday night was “recuperating from a medical situation’’ and has temporarily ceded his responsibilities.
Monahan, 53, has been at the center of the firestorm as the PGA Tour has tried to fend off the Saudi-backed tour and has been heavily criticized for the way he’s handled matters — from outside of his tour and from his own players, who were kept in the dark about the alliance.
None of those things matter at the moment, however, as the severity of Monahan’s medical situation remains unknown, and all who know him are pulling for a speedy recovery.
PGA Tour officials did not have any more details Wednesday about Monahan’s condition and said his family asked for privacy.
Tour vice president Tyler Dennis said Wednesday that the priorities remain unchanged even with Monahan sidelined and not handling day-to-day operations until further notice.
Dennis said there was no further update on Monahan’s status. He, along with chief operating officer Ron Price, will fill Monahan’s duties in the interim.
“Last night’s news was a jolt,” Dennis said on Golf Channel. “Our priorities don’t change. We are full steam ahead as a business. All of our priorities remain unchanged. We had a big announcement last week [about LIV Golf] and nothing is changing in that regard. We’re working very hard toward the definitive agreements. There’ll be a lot of news on that subject in the coming weeks and months.”
Dennis talked about “exciting momentum” in the game, adding, “We’re stronger than we have ever been, and we are focused on the future. I think what [Monahan] would want is us to continue this incredible season we are in, and certainly this week focused on being here in the great city of Los Angeles and a fantastic venue with an exciting four days of golf ahead.”
Monahan became the Tour commissioner in 2017, taking over for Tim Finchem, who held the same title since 1994. He was expected be at the Travelers Championship next week in Connecticut.
Around golf, some of the sport’s big hitters publicly expressed concern and support for Monahan.
United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan began the governing body’s annual news conference ahead of the U.S. Open by wishing Monahan well. “Hope you’re watching this, hope you’re feeling better, and everyone at the USGA wishes you a speedy recovery,” Whan said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with PGA Tour commissioner and friend to many, Jay Monahan, his wife Susan and their entire family,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh in a statement. “He has given so much of himself to our beautiful sport and we wish him a very quick recovery back to health and the game we all love.”
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley also offered his support for Monahan and his family and wished him “a healthy and speedy recovery.”
“Jay Monahan is a leader in our sport and a friend to so many across the golf industry,” he said.
Monahan was expected to meet with players and the media next week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, a meeting that’s not likely to happen based on the shocking news of Tuesday now.