Jay Monahan outlines end ‘goal’ from PIF talks

It’s been over a year since the PGA Tour signed a framework agreement with LIV’s bankrollers, but Jay Monahan has a ‘goal’ in mind.

Talks remain ongoing between the two sides and Monahan, 54, has reiterated his belief that they are progressing.

While he insists there is no deadline for a deal being struck, the parties are positioned to give fans and players what they want.

“When you look at where we are today,” he began at East Lake, “we’re both in a position to bring the best players in the world back together. I think that’s a good and aspirational goal.”

It’s after over 12 months of negotiations with no apparent end in sight, but the Tour commissioner is adamant that they are moving in the right direction.

“We have the right people at the table with the right mindset,” he said. “I see that in all of these conversations, and that’s both sides.

“That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together. But at the same time, these conversations are complex.

“They’re going to take time. They have taken time, and they will continue to take time.

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“Ultimately, the PGA Tour is the greatest tour in the world, and we’re going to continue to focus on the things that we control.

“I think it’s the right time to be having these conversations, and it’s the right time not only for the PGA Tour but for the game. That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to those conversations.”

According to Monahan, striking an agreement is a priority that is increasing and is ‘stronger’ than it ever has been.

But he was unable to disclose any further details or specifics.

It has, however, left him with no concerns over partners and/or sponsors being reluctant to commit amid the ongoing discussions.

“We were really proud to announce that [2025] schedule and to have the support of our great partners,” he said.

“We will continue to work very closely with all of them, in ’25 and beyond ’25, with a focus on continuing to innovate, continuing to drive this business forward together and collectively.

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Meanwhile, Monahan brushed aside talk of a pathway for LIV golfers to return to the PGA Tour.

However, chief competitions officer Tyler Dennis confirmed that LIV players seeking a way back are ineligible for a year if they were not previously members of the PGA Tour.

“Players that have never played on the Tour and have no outstanding connection to previous membership, [have] a one-year waiting period between when you play in an unauthorised event and being able to return,” Dennis confirmed.

“Players who are members or are members of the Tour also have all of our tournament regulations and conduct policies applying to them.

“I’m not going to get into details about that, but there’s an additional set of guidelines there to consider.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.