Report: PGA Tour boss desperate for ‘one-year mulligan’ after bungling LIV deal

Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, reportedly wishes he had a “one-year mulligan” to redo his handling of the controversial peace deal with LIV Golf’s backers, according to PGA Tour policy board member Joe Ogilvie.

In a recent interview with Golfweek, Ogilvie, a former PGA Tour winner, discussed the backlash Monahan faced after the 6 June 2023 announcement of the framework agreement with LIV Golf’s Saudi backers. This announcement, made alongside LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan on national television, sparked outrage among PGA Tour members.

Patrick Cantlay’s significant influence within the PGA Tour was also acknowledged by Ogilvie, who confirmed that rumors of Cantlay’s sway were not far off the mark. Despite the initial uproar, Ogilvie believes that some PGA Tour members have started to regain their faith in Monahan’s leadership.

The backlash was intense, with multiple high-profile golfers calling for Monahan’s resignation. Rory McIlroy’s angry reaction was captured by Netflix cameras, and Xander Schauffele and even Tiger Woods were reportedly furious. Woods, who took months to comment on the deal, eventually stated that secretive deals like this could not happen again.

The stress from the fallout led Monahan to take a medical leave of absence. Upon his return, he admitted that the ordeal had taken a toll on his health but remained adamant that he was the right person to lead the PGA Tour. He dismissed any suggestions that he should resign.

Ogilvie acknowledged that Monahan’s rollout of the framework agreement was mishandled, saying Monahan “got on the back foot.” However, he praised Monahan’s resilience and leadership qualities, stating, “Jay is a survivor. He’s incredibly good when he’s engaged with sponsors, and he’s incredibly good one-on-one with the guys.”

Ogilvie expressed his full support for Monahan, noting that the commissioner has the respect of other leaders in the game and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). He believes Monahan could even earn a “Comeback Player of the Year” award for his efforts to mend relations and lead the PGA Tour through the tumultuous period.

In summary, while Monahan’s handling of the LIV Golf deal initially sparked significant controversy and backlash, there are signs that his leadership is being reconsidered more favorably by some within the PGA Tour, as he works to make amends and guide the organization forward.