In a recent announcement on Tuesday, it was revealed that Jay Monahan, the commissioner of the PGA Tour, is currently recovering from a “medical situation.” A joint statement issued by Monahan and the PGA Tour Policy Board stated that day-to-day operations will be temporarily led by Ron Price and Tyler Dennis, both executives of the Tour, during Monahan’s absence. However, no specific details regarding the nature of Monahan’s medical issue were disclosed. This news comes amidst a turbulent week for the sport, as the PGA Tour recently shocked the golfing community by announcing a merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

The PGA Tour, in a statement, expressed its full support for Jay Monahan and requested that his privacy be respected during this time. The statement also indicated that further updates would be provided as necessary.

Monahan faced criticism last week when he unveiled the merger with the breakaway circuit, which receives funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Although he claimed that the agreement was in the best interest of PGA Tour members, Monahan described a closed-door meeting with players where some called for his resignation, characterizing it as “intense” and “heated.”

Earlier this week, a leader of a US Senate subcommittee launched an investigation into the planned merger, demanding records from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The 9/11 Families United group, known for protesting LIV events in the United States, issued a statement criticizing PGA Tour leaders, accusing them of “hypocrisy and greed.” It is worth noting that fifteen of the nineteen 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, although the kingdom has consistently denied any involvement in the Twin Towers attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

Jay Monahan, 53, holds the distinction of being the fourth commissioner in the history of the PGA Tour. He initially joined the organization in 2008 as the executive director of the Players’ Championship and subsequently transitioned to an executive role in 2013 before assuming the position of commissioner from Tim Finchem in 2017.

In a joint statement, Ron Price and Tyler Dennis of the PGA Tour expressed their support for Jay Monahan and wished him a speedy recovery. They assured the golfing community that there is a capable and experienced leadership team in place to ensure the seamless continuation of operations. Their primary focus remains on supporting the players and continuing the ongoing efforts to lead the PGA Tour and shape the future of golf.

“Our thoughts are with Jay and his family during his absence, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” stated Price and Dennis. “We have a strong and experienced leadership team in place, and our priority is to support our players and continue the work underway to further lead the PGA Tour and golf’s future.”

Price and Dennis emphasized that, during Monahan’s absence, the day-to-day operations of the PGA Tour will be overseen by Ron Price, the chief operating officer, and Tyler Dennis, the executive vice-president and president of the PGA Tour. They expressed confidence in the team Monahan has assembled and assured stakeholders that updates will be provided as necessary.

“Our thoughts are with Jay and his family during his absence, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” reiterated Price and Dennis in a separate statement. “We have a strong and experienced leadership team in place, and our priority is to support our players and continue the work underway to further lead the PGA Tour and golf’s future.”