PGA Tour boss provides LIV Golf merger update after Phil Mickelson’s sack demand

Phil Mickelson called on the Jay Monahan to be removed from his PGA Tour leadership role, but it appears the commissioner is here to stay amid the pending framework agreement

Jay Monahan has defended his decision to bring the PGA Tour together with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), with pressure continuing to grow on the commissioner.

Monahan is the main figure in the framework agreement that the PIF and PGA Tour are currently negotiating, which will put an end to the American circuit’s conflict with the LIV Golf. Many were taken aback when the agreement was announced in June, and ever since, the Tour commissioner has been under fire for his sudden change of heart about Saudi Arabia.

But Monahan has every right to be confident in the choices he has made. “At the New York Times DealBook Summit, he stated, “people have made far more consequential decisions than the one that I’ve made and ultimately, the one that we’re going to make.”

“You have to have a long-term perspective and a deep-seated conviction that the choice you’re making is the right one. Additionally, you must be prepared to accept all of the criticism, which has already been abundant and will only increase.

Phil Mickelson, a supporter of LIV, has been one of his harshest critics. Earlier this week, he reiterated this point while urging Monahan to resign from his position on social media. “Not only is he arming LIV players with strong arms, but he’s also lost all credibility with his staff, his players, and himself, which is why golf is in this mess,” tweeted Mickelson.

In my view, there is also no unification or way forward with him involved.” However, Monahan’s role remains significant. He disclosed on Wednesday that, with the framework agreement’s December 31 deadline approaching, he would be meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of PIF.

“As you are aware, we have a firm deadline for our conversations with PIF,” Monahan stated. “Next week, I’ll be with Yasir. And our discussions keep progressing. We’re also pushing to consider a wide range of other interested parties, which I believe is fairly well known.

In recent weeks, doubts have been raised about golf’s proposed peace treaty because parties other than PIF have expressed interest in collaborating with the Tour, such as Fenway Sports Group. Nonetheless, Monahan envisions a time when everyone can be a part of the circuit’s for-profit organization.

“When this gets finalized,” he continued. The athletes on the PGA Tour will hold ownership positions within their respective sports, and in addition to the PIF, there is probably another co-investor who possesses substantial business, sports, and brand experience. This combination of resources will enable the PGA Tour to grow and gain market share from other sports, making it even more competitive.

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