Is Jay Monahan a Good Leader of PGA Tour? Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, & More Give Their Verdicts

What’s up with Jay Monahan these days? The 53-year-old Commissioner of the PGA Tour seems to be in trouble. Amidst low viewership and the ever-existing threat of the breakaway league, there seem to be questions over his leadership of the flagship Tour. With an ever-important event, THE 50th PLAYERS Championship, right around the corner, will the shine match the show?

On being asked about his leadership, some of the most hallowed names on the Tour’s roster had much to say. With the best players of the sport holding such varied views on the tenure of the Massachusetts-born commissioner, we delve into their perspectives to understand if Monahan is indeed the right person to steer the PGA Tour into its next chapter.

Is Jay Monahan “the right man for the job”

When asked for his views on Xander Schauffele‘s comment on Monahan, “he’s got a long way to go to gain the trust of the membership”, Rory McIlroy came out fully in support of the Commissioner. “The PGA Tour is in a far stronger position than when Jay took over,” McIlroy said, referring to the many advancements and investments the Tour has acquired since Monahan took over. The “strategic alliance with the DP World Tour” and the “billion and a half dollars in business”, also support what McIlroy had to say.

Monahan himself believes he’s “the right man for the job”, as he said in response to Schauffele’s statements. However, not everyone on the Tour agrees with this sentiment. Xander Schauffele’s recent comments show a sense of caution, as he thinks Monahan still has a lot of ground to cover in gaining back trust. What do the other players think?

“You got to own up to it”: Hovland demands transparency

When asked about his views on the matter, Viktor Hovland had just one thing to say. “I think when you make a mistake you got to own up to it”, the 26-year-old pro stated. This statement mirrors what Schauffele has to say, albeit in a much lighter tone. He added, “I don’t mind people making mistakes. We all make mistakes”, believing that Monahan could still prove himself. 

Patrick Cantlay strongly believes in the sentiment of unity and forward momentum, appreciating the opportunity for a renewed goal. “I think it’s really important that we’re all rowing in the same direction”, he says, adding that the PGA TOUR Enterprises Board, is a strong step in that direction. His perspective suggests a kind of cautious optimism, a belief in the potential of collective efforts to shape a promising future for the tour.

Read more: ‘Earn His Way’: Jay Monahan Reveals Tiger Woods’s Fighting Mindset After Question on Special Category at The PLAYERS

With such varied opinions on the board, one can only hope for a quick and easy solution. Whatever happens in the future, everyone seems to believe that the health of the leadership is paramount to the future of the Tour.

Read more: LIV Golf Obliterates Recent PGA Tour Outings Amid Jay Monahan’s Dire ‘Strategic’ Attempts to Save Ratingsad more: