PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was interviewed on television during the final round of the Canadian Open on Sunday at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, regarding his decision to suspend PGA Tour players for competing in the inaugural LIV Golf Event at the Centurion Club outside London.
Monahan’s primary criticism of the the LIV participants came in the form of a question: “I’ve talked to players ... and I think you'd have to be living under a rock to not know that there are significant implications, as it relates to the families of 9-11.”
“Have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?” he asked CBS sports commentator Jim Nantz.
This was Monahan’s response when asked of the “ramifications” of participating in the Public Investment Funded Saudi Arabia league amid its alleged connection to events in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Monahan began stating that the past week was “unfortunate, created by some unfortunate decisions, those decisions being players choosing to violate our tournament regulations.”
“It’s my job to protect, defend, and celebrate our loyal PGA Tour members, our partners, and our fans.”
Monahan said that PGA players are not permitted to compete on both tours “because those players have chosen to sign multi-year lucrative contracts to play in a series of exhibition matches against the same players over and over again.”
“You look at that versus what we see here today, and that’s why they need us so badly,” said Monahan. “You’ve got true, pure competition, the best players in the world here at the at the RBC Canadian Open, with millions of fans watching.”
“It’s true and pure competition that creates the profile and the presence of the world’s greatest players,” added Monahan. “We’re not going to allow players to free ride off of our loyal members, the best players in the world.”
Monahan further stated that the LIV “series is a group of events predominantly based in North America” and is different from players receiving up to three exemptions per year to compete in non-PGA affiliated events, saying, “In protecting our loyal members, we can’t allow players to free-ride off of them.”
Regarding the financial backing of LIV Golf, Monahan stated that it is “probably an issue for players that choose to go and take that money,” referring to reports of a signing bonus for Phil Mickelson of $200 million, and Dustin Johnson of $125 million or more.
“Why is this group spending so much money, billions of dollars, recruiting players and chasing a concept with no possibility of a return?” asked Monahan.
“At the same time, there’s been a lot of questions, comments about the growth of the game,” said Monahan. “How is this good for the game that we love?”
The suspended players who have qualified, however, are allowed to compete in this weeks U.S. Open, as the USGA stated that it will not deny a player who has earned a spot at the championship from competing.
The U.S. Open, along with the independent governing body of the Open Championship of Britain, is not required to align with suspensions from PGA Tour tournament play, the Presidents Cup, and other PGA-sanctioned events.
Phil Mickelson Pushes Back
Six-time major champion, Mickelson, seemed uneasy answering questions by the press Monday regarding his resignation from the PGA and subsequent affiliation with LIV Golf. However, he confirmed his participation this week at the U.S. Open, and eventually confirmed that he will also compete in the Open Championship.“In regards to if fans would leave or whatnot, I respect and I understand their opinions, and I understand that they have strong feelings and strong emotions regarding this choice,” said Mickelson who has won 45 times on the PGA Tour. “And I respect that.”
In addressing the issue of family members of Sept. 11 victims writing to LIV Golf players to quit, Mickelson responded, “I think I speak for every American and that we feel the deepest of sympathy, and the deepest of empathy, for those that have lost loved ones.”
“It affected all of us, and those that have been directly affected, I can’t emphasize enough how much empathy I have for them.”
Last year, Mickelson became the oldest player to win a major event at 50 years old by capturing the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, S.C.
“I’ve worked hard to earn a lifetime membership,” said Mickelson. “I’ve worked hard to give back to the PGA Tour and the game of golf throughout my 30-plus years of professional golf, and I’ve earned that lifetime membership, so I believe that it should be my choice.”
When asked about his legacy, Mickelson stated, “I am incredibly grateful for the PGA Tour and for the many opportunities that it has provided me through the years. But I am excited about this new opportunity [LIV Golf] as well.”
Mickelson again confirmed the “good” that golf has done around the world.
While taking time away from the Tour, “I think there were there were a number of things that I’ve certainly learned, but it’s give me more than that an opportunity to really prioritize those that I love, those that I care about.”
“And develop path forward so that I can be more engaged, be more intentional with when I’m with the people I care about—and also have a little bit more balance in my life going forward off the golf course,” added Mickelson.
