DETROIT – A little over two weeks ago on June 13, Tyler Dennis became a person-of-interest when he was appointed to co-lead the day-to-day operation of the PGA Tour with COO Ron Price, in the absence Commission Jay Monahan who is recovering after an undisclosed health situation.
Who is Dennis, and why did he get this prestigious role?
Dennis, 46 years old, is the Tour’s Executive Vice President and President of the PGA Tour. Dennis was responsible for overseeing Tour events, and the daily operations, as well as the areas of Rules/Competitions and Membership Services. He also oversaw ShotLink, Tournament Operations and Tournament Business Affairs.
Conrad Ray, Stanford’s men’s golf team coach, said of his former Stanford teammates: “He is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met if not even the smartest.”
Dennis learned to play the game in Salt Lake City at the par-3 Cottonwood Club, a nine-hole course. He also developed an unusual and keen interest in rules. Longtime pro Brad Beutler taught him the basics and took him under his wings. Dennis scored a perfect 16 on the U.S. Golf Association rules test, and he helped to administer his first professional tournament at his local Korn Ferry Tour.
Mark Russell, former PGA Tour Vice President of Competitions said: “He has a photographic brain.”
Dennis was hired as an intern by the USGA for the 1994 U.S. Amateur Public Links, Eagle Bend Golf Club, Bigfork Montana. Ron Read, the Western Region Director of the USGA at that time, helped him place holes in the early morning hours. He confided to Read at breakfast that the guys from the pro-shop had invited him to a bar the night before. Dennis told the guys around him that he was good at blowing the tuba. The guys at his table ignored him. After he revealed that he was a trumpet player in the band they finally encouraged him to try it.
Dennis grabbed his tuba and blew loudly. A cloud of five pound of baby flowers appeared. He was instantly a hero when the pitcher arrived.
Dennis asked Read to not tell Tom Meeks, the director of competitions for the USGA. He feared that Meeks would punish him or ruin his career prospects in the sport. Then Meeks called Read to talk to him.
Read wrote in an email: “I told Tyler Tom had read about him in all Montana newspapers.” “Tyler jumped out of his seat, ran to the cashier, and grabbed a roll quarters. He started to feed the paper machine. He read The Missoulian ( Billings ) Gazette (and one other local paper) when he returned. He didn’t find anything. I laughed. Tom and I laughed together. “We both laughed.”
Tyler Dennis, head operations for the PGA Tour at the 2017 World Golf Championships – Mexico Championship. (Photo: Ramon Trevino, Agencia EL Universal via AP Images)
Dennis was a Stanford undergraduate and received his B.S. In just three years, Dennis received a B.S. Tiger Woods was his teammate during the 1995-1996 season. Dennis, who still uses his Bullseye putter to this day and qualifies for nine events, recorded his best result as a T-14.
Dennis began his career at the PGA Tour as a Rules official on the Korn Ferry Tour. He later moved to the PGA Tour.
Ray said, “We laughed about how awkward it was the first time he gave Tiger a decision.”
Dennis went on sabbatical in order to study at the University of Cambridge. He received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Dennis stated in his Stanford golf biography that his goal was to become an engineer. Dennis, who is an only child and a graduate of Tulane University, was a golfer, ski instructor, free spirit, and motorcycle rider. His father Leland had a similar career path.
Dennis replied, “I know this sounds corny but my father told me to make you happy. “I love this job. I love what the PGA Tour stands for.
Tyler assumed the oversight of the Competitions Area as well as other Tour functions that manage on-site activities in 2007. Tyler spearheaded the Tour’s return to the game of golf in 2020 after the pandemic and is now in his most visible and crucial role. Kurt Kragthorpe, an author of Fairways Magazine wrote in a profile that it “would not surprise me if Dennis one day becomes the Tour Commissioner.” Those who know him describe him as a stable hand and someone you would want to shape policy, but not necessarily be the face of the PGA Tour. “He’s an excellent No. “He’s a good No. 2 or 3,” said a veteran player.
Monahan has been sidelined for an indefinite period of time. Dennis and Cross who joined the Tour of 1994 are now left to steer the boat through the formation of . This new entity will be run by the Saudis and could face many obstacles in gaining approval from the Tour board of directors and the Department of Justice.
The news last night was shocking. Our priorities don’t change. Dennis said to Golf Channel in response to Monahan’s health situation on June 14. “Our No. “Our No. 1 focus will always remain our players. When we consider the business, this is what we will always keep in mind. We will continue to run the Tour’s day-to-day business. “We have many exciting things in store for us.”
He can also play the tuba if necessary.
