PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who had been on medical leave, returned to the spotlight for the first time Wednesday night. He sent a long and detailed memo to PGA Tour members. He detailed several updates involving PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
Monahan began by saying that he feels stronger than ever since returning to the United States on July 17.
Monahan stated in the memo that the framework agreement was ongoing. The memo included more information about the deal. It also mentioned a “Player Benefit Program,” which was “financially important in total” and “additive to our planned compensation package.”
The PIF and the PIF’s Player Benefit Program were key factors in reaching a final agreement.
The memo did not mention if LIV players will face penalties when they return. The task force is led by Andy Pazder, PGA Tour chief tournaments and Competitions officer, Jason Gore (who in the memo announced himself as the new Executive vice president and Chief player Officer), and Neera Shetty, Executive vice president/vice counsel.
Colin Neville of Raine Group, a “third-party advisor” for players, has also been appointed following the framework agreement. The memo said that Neville would help streamline communication between players and the Tour during “complicated” and “time intensive” negotiations with the PIF.
Monahan said that the PGA Tour schedule for 2024 will be announced in two weeks, during the FedEx St. Jude Championship which takes place on Tuesday, August 8. For the first time in 2013, the Tour will be returning to a calendar-based year.
Monahan also said that, in relation to the USGA’s and R&A’s joint proposal to roll back the golf ball (as proposed by the two organizations), the Tour could not support it because “widespread belief” was held among Tour members that the rollback “was not warranted and was not in the interest of the sport at all levels.” Monahan added that the Tour is dedicated to working with the USGA to “arrive at a resolution that will serve our players and fans, and the game
Monahan said that the Tour is also working to replace Randall Stephenson , who resigned due to the framework agreement. Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson and independent directors Mark Flaherty, Mary Meeker and Mary Meeker are all part of a search team to find a new replacement.
