LA QUINTA, Calif. — At The American Express golf tournament, two PGA Tour professionals play with two amateurs for the first three rounds of the event.
When the list of amateurs comes out, it’s fun to peruse it and see if there are any recognizable names. This year’s event includes ex-NBA star Danny Ainge and famed music mogul Irving Azoff for example. But one name certainly raised eyebrows as the PGA commissioner himself, Jay Monahan, is playing in the tournament this year.
It’s the first time he has played in The American Express during his tenure as commissioner which began in January 2017. He played Thursday at La Quinta Country Club with pros Scottie Scheffler and Tony Finau and American Express CEO Steve Squeri.
During a post-round interview with local media, Monahan did not agree with the notion that his playing in this event is an indication that he’s trying to be more present at PGA events than he normally is as a way to put up a unified front in year two of the tour’s battle with the rival LIV Golf Tour.
“I make a concerted effort and I’ve done so throughout my career. I try and get to a high percentage of our events,” Monahan said. “Some I can’t be there for five or six days, but I try to be out as often as I can be and that’s frequently often. I’m on the road for weeks at a time. This is really no different from the past, and I’ll continue to do that throughout the course of this year.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan smiles while walking down the first fairway during the first round of the 2023 American Express at La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California. (Photo: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun)
Monahan who said during interviews last week that the PGA Tour vs. LIV Tour is now all about “product vs. product” was happy with the product his tour presented Thursday, even without LIV defectors like former tournament host Phil Mickelson and defending champion Hudson Swafford. Picturesque views, beautiful weather and the most star-studded field this tournament has seen this century by most accounts brought out a larger-than-normal crowd.
“I’ve been out here numerous times, but it’s my first time being out here Thursday, playing in the tournament itself. It was a very special experience and obviously a magical quintessential Palm Springs day,” Monahan said referring to the most well-known city in the Coachella Valley. “To be able to play with Scottie and Tony was special and not only is it amazing to watch them play, but the conversation, it was a great all-around day.”
For the record, Monahan can play. His highlight of the day was a pretty tee shot on the par-3 8th hole to within six feet. He made the birdie putt to a nice roar from the crowd, and he tipped his cap. Meanwhile, Scheffler and Finau could only par the hole.
He will play Friday with pros Adam Long and Chez Reavie at the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West.
“We go to work every day with a commitment to grow this tour and make this tour stronger,” he said. “I’m competitive, but no one cares how I play. I had some moments out there today, but the experience of being alongside Scottie and Tony and seeing the shots, seeing the fan reaction. You learn so much by being here and having that experience. It’s inspiring.”
