Jay Monahan is not only the commissioner of the PGA Tour, but he is the man behind the American circuit’s massive outreach. His vocalization of everything before and after the $3 billion merger among the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and LIV Golf is a testament to how strongly he affiliates himself with the well-being of the Professional Golfers Association.

However, last month, after announcing a framework contract with the Saudi-backed circuit, the commissioner notified the PGA Tour Policy Board about his leave of absence. Now he has a different announcement that lit hope in the hearts of many.

Jay Monahan is to return as commissioner

After a harrowing month of struggling with health issues, the man with the commissioner’s title has announced his return. He is all set to return on the 17th of July to once again lead the PGA Tour. Golf.com reported it on their Twitter with fondness.

Just after the critical merger announcement, Jay Monahan had to apply for a leave of absence. Reportedly, the commissioner of the American circuit wasn’t feeling well. The stress of the PGA Tour’s conflict with LIV Golf and the constant litigations was weighing on the 53-year-old leader.

Speculations ran wild about a conspiracy wherein the 4th commissioner of the PGA Tour was being forced to step down but they were all rumors, of course. In truth, Monahan experienced serious health issues for which he needed to relax and recoup. Golf analysts shared a tweet with the official memo sent out by him. He mentioned, “With the support of my family and thanks to world-class medical care, my health has improved dramatically.”

According to the document, he apologized for leaving soon after the merger announcement and explained, “I experienced that toll personally in the days following the announcement of our framework agreement and encountered adverse impacts on my health.”

He needed a month to revive his health but he never stopped thinking about the future of the PGA Tour circuit. He added in his memo, “Over the last several years, as we’ve confronted challenges that called the PGA Tour’s future into question, we have devoted every ounce of energy to securing a stable path forward for our organization.” He also admitted that the framework agreement for the merger was announced to build a better future for the sport.

Also read: Despite Jay Monahan’s Return, the $3 Billion LIV Golf Merger Posits “Serious Concerns”, Pushing a Revered PGA Tour Figure to Step Down

“Should we be able to reach a definitive agreement, we can rest assured that the PGA Tour will continue to lead and shape the game for the future,” he reassured. “Beyond that, we will have the ability to invest in our players and communities like never before.”

With the famed PGA Tour commissioner back at the helm, the players, stakeholders, and fans might finally get answers to the questions they have posed since the merger was announced.

What happened to Jay Monahan?

Even as the 4th commissioner of the PGA tour expressed his intent to return, what truly caused his leave of absence remains unclear. He did not share the details of his ailment but did promise to answer the queries of the Policy Board.

Given how Monahan is leading the charge and defining the protocols for the American Tour, it is unlikely that he would have left without good reason. Especially when the merger raised so much havoc in the golfing community. His illness must have been serious enough to warrant his absence during such a crucial phase for the PGA Tour.

Why do you think the PGA tour commissioner went on leave? Do you think he’ll be able to put the rumors and questions to bed upon his return? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Watch this story: Weeks after mysteriously going off the radar due to a fierce backlash and a supposed medical condition, PGAT Commissioner Jay Monahan comes forward with a relieving news