Under-fire PGA Tour boss returns after ‘medical situation’

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will return to his duties on July 17, following over a month away from his post.

After facing calls to resign, the 53-year-old took time off to deal with a ‘medical situation’, but in a statement, Monahan said his health has “improved drastically”.

The American stepped back just a week after the PGA Tour announced its shock ‘merger’ with the DP World Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).

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Players and fans alike were left stunned by the U-turn, to which Monahan himself acknowledged that he will be branded a “hypocrite”.

And that drastic change led to an “intense and heated” players’ meeting, where the PGA Tour chief was blasted for leaving the game’s top figures in the dark.

Open champion and current LIV golfer Cameron Smith said he thought the announcement was “a joke”, while Collin Morikawa admitted to finding out the news on Twitter.

But after taking a break, Monahan has shared that he is ‘eager’ to get back to business amid an uncertain future for men’s professional golf.

He said: “Thank you for your support and leadership these last few weeks. With the support of my family and thanks to world class medical care, my health has improved dramatically.

“I am eager to engage with each of you – as well as our players, partners, fans and our PGA Tour family – to address any questions and protect the game we treasure.

“We can rest assured that the PGA Tour will continue to lead and shape the game for the future.”

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The ‘merger’, which was agreed to “unify” the professional game, will be discussed at a US Senate Panel meeting next week.

The Senate is investigating the commercial entity to “uncover the facts” about what went into the deal, saying the “reversal of position concerning LIV Golf raises serious questions”.

Monahan will return shortly after that hearing.

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.