Monahan Opens Up on Controversial LIV Feeder Tour Decision and Golf’s Rift

Monahan disputes the premise

In an interview on Golf Channel’s Eamon Lynch Has Questions, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan responded to questions about whether he had ignored an early approach from Saudi-backed golf interests. He said he was not aware of the call in question and challenged the idea that any approach had been made in good faith.

Monahan said that, depending on when the supposed call took place, LIV representatives had already been attending Tour events, recruiting players and meeting with agents as they prepared to launch their league. He described those actions as relevant to judging the sincerity of any proposed talks.

Terms for possible talks

Monahan said discussions would have required one of two conditions: the new league would need to become, or largely become, a feeder tour, or the PGA Tour would need to decide its own model was right for its players, fans and others it serves. The account also notes that the Premier Golf League was still trying to launch when LIV first formed, adding context to a period of competing plans for professional golf.

Regret, without a victory lap

Monahan said hindsight had changed how he viewed some decisions. He singled out the rollout of the PGA Tour’s framework agreement with LIV as his biggest regret. Although the PGA Tour continues and LIV is winding down, Monahan declined to celebrate the contrast. The interview will re-air on Golf Channel, and clips are available there.