‘Pound the Chest’: Jay Monahan Pressured to Not Be ‘Meek’ as PIF Merger Faces Another Delay

The merger talks regarding the two golf leagues have become saturated at this point. However, finally, after years of thoughts about it, the 47th POTUS has taken charge. On 20th February, Donald Trump had a meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, and Adam Scott at the White House. This was a promising start to the season of golf as nothing of such scale had happened before regarding the merger.

However, as of recent, nothing promising came out of that meeting as the merger is again expected to be delayed or perhaps not happen at all. In light of this, critics of the game have shared some advice for commissioner Monahan.

Recently, at the 5 Clubs, Damon Hack, the Golf Channel Announcer, joined the discussion. He, for a brief section, was asked about the ongoing discussion, “What’s more interesting about his kind of state of the Tour?” Damon replied, “Yeah, I think these are tough times in terms of the momentum that seemingly that game had, the reports were that the PGA Tour and the PIF were close to some sort of agreement. The reports of late are that it’s not as close as we once thought.” The expectations, which were high after the meeting, have seemingly dropped after Monahan shared the status on Tuesday ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He was asked if the deal would be announced, to which he shared, “I don’t see that happening.”

But even so, Hack believes that the PGA Tour commissioner can instead concentrate on the certain things, which are the influx of young talent in the Tour. He said, “I still think the PGA Tour has an opportunity to look at the good things and the potential for star making, the PGA Tour is still the Blue Chip property in this game.” He even emphasised, saying, “This week, of any week, is a chance to pound the chest and stand up straight and to be proud of what you have.”

The PGA Tour is the stepping stone for any aspiring young golfer who dreams of playing with the best of the world. Even with the inception of LIV Golf, the PGA Tour still has that reputation where no player can afford to not play in it even though their direction might shift later on and join LIV. So, Monahan should not worry too much even if the Merger does not come through as he still has plenty of things to look forward to as well.

With top names like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, and others. Hack wanted to share some updates about the progress that young players are making with the tour. He shared how young players are entering and etching their names in the history books with participation. Pointing out Ludvig Aberg’s recent victory at the Genesis Invitational, Luke Clanton’s PGA Tour card was earned when he was able to participate in the 2025 Cognizant Classic due to the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program. Additionally, there are other successes, such as Michael Thorbjornson and Jackson Koivun.

Now, despite the merger seeming far away, the positive statement from the commissioner is fueling the hopes of the golf world.

Jay Monahan on President’s merger involvement

The Commissioner of the PGA Tour recently shared a positive update for the fans during an interview with GolfWeek. Monahan talked about his past two visits and how he is involving himself to know the culture better. Well, he has also pointed out how Donald Trump has played a crucial role in the deal.

“The President has a clear passion for the game and publicly stated that he wants golf to be reunified,” Monahan said. Trump already shared about the relationship with the Governor, and, being a golf enthusiast himself, he wants the reunification for the betterment of the sport.

Further praising the president, he said, “Beyond being the leader of the free world, he understands deal making and he’s playing a very constructive role, trying to help us get there. I’m grateful for him playing the role that he’s played.” Well, that goes without saying, as without Trump, the deal might have taken much longer. However, now with him in charge, progress is visible with the last few meetings at the White House. First, the PGA Tour members, including Jay Monahan, Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods (Virtually) discussed. Later, the PIF Governor was also seen as being part of it.

Now, with the progress, it is relatively slow as per the hopes, but still consistent. Will the merger be happening anytime soon, according to you? Share with us in the comments below.