Jay Monahan gave a lot of non-answers over the PGA Tour’s merger negotiations with LIV Golf as the Commissioner refused to give fans details about discussions
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan provided a lengthy but vague update on merger talks with LIV Golf as he refused to disclose details or specifics.
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF, the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, signed a framework agreement on June 6, 2023 – but that deadline passed on Dec. 31. However, talks have continued, with the potential of more than $1 billion of investment a motivator.
PGA Tour Commissioner Monahan provided an update on Wednesday at a news conference ahead of this week’s Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, but his latest comments have proved to be a bigger problem. Monahan revealed that talks are ongoing, albeit complex, and refused to give out more details and specifics about the negotiations, leaving much still in the dark, despite stating the Tour has an “obligation to our fans, players, and partners.” This sums it all up – and it feels as though he doesn’t even know any specifics.
He said: “You look at where we are right now, we’re in regular dialogue, we have the right people at the table with the right mindset. I see that in all these conversations on both sides, that creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together.
“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.
“When I sit here today, I think the most important thing is our obligation to fans, players and partners is to focus on what we control, which we’re doing as I outlined and continue to carry this momentum forward. I’m not going to negotiate details in public or disclose details or specifics, but all I can say is that conversations continue and they’re productive.”
The PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League are operating separately and will do so again in 2025, with both of their seasons coming to a close before restarting in the New Year. And after a lot of non-answers, Monahan did hit the nail on the head about the merger’s ability to bring the world’s best golfers together more often.
The framework deadline passed at the end of last year – but talks continue
“What we hear from fans and what we’re hearing from players, ultimately 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,” Monahan said.
Monahan will be hoping for an explosive end to the season in the Tour Championship, with Scottie Scheffler holding a two-shot lead over Xander Schauffele. The top two golfers have enjoyed exceptional 2024 campaigns and a win with the FedEx Cup would be the cherry on top of the cake, especially for Scheffler, who has never won it.
The 28-year-old has won six PGA Tour titles this year, including the Masters, and he went to Paris and scooped Olympic gold.
