LOS ANGELES — United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan began the governing body’s annual new conference ahead of the 2023 U.S. Open by wishing PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan well.
“Hope you’re watching this, hope you’re feeling better, and everyone at the USGA wishes you a speedy recovery,” said Whan.
On Tuesday night the PGA Tour announced that Monahan, 53, is “recuperating from a medical situation” and that in his absence, Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and Executive Vice President Tyler Dennis would lead the day-to-day operations. The Tour also held a brief meeting Wednesday morning to address the staff amid a great time of uncertainty.
Appearing on Golf Channel’s “Live from the U.S. Open,” Dennis said there was no further update on Monahan’s situation.
“We’re full steam ahead as a business,” Dennis said. “All of our priorities remain unchanged. We had a big announcement last week and nothing is changing in that regard. We’re working very hard toward the definitive agreements. There’ll be a lot of news on that subject in the coming weeks and months.
“It’s full steam ahead, day to day as a business, and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been and we’re focused on the future.”
Last week the bombshell news broke that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had partnered to create a new global golf entity. Monahan, 53, was thrust back into the spotlight because of his previous comments about LIV Golf, which was fully financed by the PIF, and the commissioner was heavily criticized, especially by the 9/11 families group.
Monahan joined the PGA Tour in 2008 and was named the Tour’s fourth commissioner on Jan. 1, 2017, when he succeeded Tim Finchem. The Massachusetts native graduated from Trinity College in 1993 and was a four-year member of the golf team. He then earned a masters degree in sport management from UMass in 1995.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with PGA Tour commissioner and friend to many, Jay Monahan, his wife Susan and their entire family,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh via a statement. “He has given so much of himself to our beautiful sport and we wish him a very quick recovery back to health and the game we all love.”