Jay Monahan’s ‘Mishandling’ of LIV Golf Merger Left PGA Tour Insiders Shocked and Frustrated, Reveals Paul Azinger

Betrayal had become a second name for Jay Monahan when he introduced Yasir Al-Rumayyan as his future partner on the PGA Tour. The Public Investment Fund and the Tour announced their supposed merger in June 2023. Although it has been delayed for some time now or cancelled, the news did break many hearts in the golf world.

A year before the merger announcement, Monahan was strictly against LIV Golf and the investors behind it, but his sudden change of pace shocked many, including former NBC golf analyst Paul Azinger. He detailed how Monahan’s move made many in the golf world upset, including the 18-time major winner, Jack Nicklaus.

Jay Monahan’s merger decision made everyone down on him

Four months after leaving NBC’s office, Paul has Azinger finally let everything out. The 64-year-old analyst spoke his heart out with Golf Week’s Adam Schupak for a telephonic interview. Azinger let all the secrets out in the public domain, like how the NBC cut the broadcasting budget for the PGA Tour and has become a feeder to LIV Golf. He had a lot to share.

Speaking about the Tour, the former pro also stumbled on its leadership and the effects of the PIF-PGA Tour merger decision. Azinger said, “He didn’t even tell Jack [Nicklaus],” when Monahan met with the Memorial’s Captain’s Club in May. He described who were all present when Monahan was presenting a report about growing the game to the council. “Jay gave that report in front of Jack and the heads of the USGA, R&A, PGA, and Masters. There’s about 15 of us in there, and I think, understandably, everyone in that room is a little down on Jay,” said Azinger, because he hid the plans of the merger.

Monahan was “negotiating with (PIF) for six months.” Azinger reprimanded, “What the heck, why didn’t you tell everybody that? Why didn’t you just say that?” he asked confusingly. The 13-time PGA Tour winner felt that Monahan “started the battle and then he switched teams in the middle of it.” This caused Rory McIlroy to fall on “the sword for him,” which eventually led to his resignation from PAC. 

Though Azinger was taken aback by Monahan’s decision, the veteran golfer believes that the PGA Tour leader’s thoughts were not malicious. The 64-year-old went on to appreciate Monahan for what he has done and has been attempting to do.

Paul Azinger credits the PGA Tour Commissioner for his work

After Jay Monahan’s various attempts, the PGA Tour recently signed a $3 billion deal with SSG (Strategic Sports Group). Moreover, if and when the merger with PIF is finalized, that will secure another $3 billion in investment for PGA Tour growth. Paul Azinger didn’t discard Monahan’s hard work. “He’s working his b*tt off; you got to give him credit that he’s hung in there somehow,” said Azinger.

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Although the merger might’ve put off many, the former NBC analyst recognized Monahan’s plans and credited him for them, saying “he’s putting together billions of dollars.” Furthermore, he felt that Monahan, at heart, had good intentions for the players. “His intentions are to do the best for the players,” he said. But the execution had failed him because “he just didn’t handle it right.”

Azinger was accurate with his Monahan analysis as he tried to break down and understand Jay Monahan. What do you think of Paul Azinger’s remarks about Jay Monahan? Let us know in the comment section below!

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