We are at war, Commissioner Jay Monahans SHOCKING early stance on battle between PGA Tour a
In June 2023, the world of golf received a big shock when the PGA-LIV merger was announced. Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was fired heavily by the fans and experts for agreeing on the merger deal. A recent revelation has now claimed that he was not too fond of this idea at the start. According to a new book “LIV and LET Die” by Alan Shipnuck, Monahan described the fight with LIV Golf as a “war“.
The establishment of LIV Golf in 2021 saw a huge parallel shift in the golfing realm. The foundation of a new tour with some new rules and huge money saw several big names leave the tour. Ever since they came into existence, the top body of the breakaway tour had tried to negotiate a deal with the PGA Tour.
As per the excerpt from the book, player director Charley Hoffman would ask Monahan why the tour kept on declining a deal with the Saudis. During this conversation at the 2021 board meeting, the now 53-year-old was not interested with people who were “trying to ruin the golf ecosystem“.
“We are at war. We do not negotiate with another entity that is trying to put us out of business,” Monahan said back then. He further added, “We do not negotiate with people who are trying to ruin the golf ecosystem.”
🚨💣⛳️ ‘AT WAR’: In September 2021, PGA TOUR Player Director Charley Hoffman reportedly asked Jay Monahan: “Why don’t we have a discussion with any of the Saudi guys who are putting together this tour?” “We are at war,” Monahan replied… “We do not negotiate with another entity… pic.twitter.com/GhPRGwCYfW
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) October 4, 2023Could Jay Monahan have prevented the merger with LIV Golf?
The merger of the PGA Tour with LIV Golf would become the talking point in June. This sudden coming together of two entities who had fought with each other surprised everyone. As per the Fire Collective Pit, Monahan was not interested in shaking hands with the breakaway tour leaders. As the excerpt from Alan Shipnuck continues to shed light on key development, one question arises – Could Monahan have prevented the merger?
The answer to that question could be if not now then when. The PGA Tour had been deep into war with the LIV Golf. Various lawsuits had been filed against each other. The inclusion of Jimmy Dunne on the tour policy board also played a key part in it. He was reported to have approached Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor for potential talks of a merger.
The bottom line is that Jay does not like competition. This monopoly started with Jack and Arnold. Trying now to change that is in terms of Jay, is a war.
— sparky (@RamchandAshwin) October 5, 2023As per the book, Dunne would play a few rounds with Yasir and his team in London and have a conversation regarding the future. He and Ed Herlihy, another tour board member would return with a message for Monahan “It’s time to swallow your pride and come to the table.“
Since then Monahan has gone on the board and claimed that the merger would benefit all the parties involved. With the deal set to go into action soon, several changes in the sport can be expected. What will the future of golf hold will be interesting to witness.
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