Despite criticism from the playing membership following last year’s shocking announcement of a framework agreement with LIV Golf’s investors Public Investment Fund (PIF), Rory McIlroy continues to feel Jay Monahan is the right person to run the PGA Tour.
Golfers had little voice in the process and many just learned of the pact via social media. Monahan had previously ruled out an agreement between PIF, the PGA, and the DP World Tour. This announcement sent shockwaves across the golfing community.
The deadline for finalizing the framework agreement was extended to December 31, 2023, but talks are still continuing on.
After shocking the playing membership in June of last year, the American stated earlier this week that “negotiations are accelerating.” But is he still the best person to manage the PGA Tour?
Is he the ideal candidate? I’m not sure. Not on paper, most likely,” Matt Fitzpatrick said to Sky Sports.
“However, it’s not like we have an option.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think he has the full support of the membership, but I’m hopeful the majority of the PGA Tour membership support him,” Billy Horschel continued.
Even if he still has to work on winning over many of his players, Monahan is supported by one of the biggest personalities in golf: Rory McIlroy.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering that Monahan and the PGA Tour executives let the Northern Irishman down more than anyone else.
As the PGA Tour’s spokesperson in the battle against the breakaway circuit, he was a vocal opponent of LIV Golf and even declared that he would sooner quit than play there “if it was the last place to play golf on earth.”
McIlroy was perhaps more hurt than anyone by Monahan’s U-turn in last year’s agreement to a deal with PIF, but he still thinks Monahan is the best person to lead the talks and mend the fractures in the game.
Although McIlroy has tempered his attitude on LIV Golf in recent months, he stated, “You look at what Jay has done since he took over.”
“With the help of the media rights agreement, Covid, and the DP World Tour strategic alliance, we were able to establish PGA Tour Enterprises and accept $1.5 billion from investors Strategic Sports Group for the company.
“People can pick apart his actions and say he did this or that wrong, but when you take a step back and consider the broader picture, I believe the PGA Tour is in a far better place now than it was when Jay took over.
“While I believe that some of the outrage that followed June 6 was justified, I also believe that it is now eight months later, and everyone should move on. All of us must attempt to move on and get the team back together.”
To work out a deal, PIF, DP World, and the PGA Tour are still in talks.
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