PGA Tour boss insists no cuts 'not like LIV' as Mickelson drops HUGE bombshell
Jay Monahan insisted the LIV Golf-prompted changes to the PGA Tour are what the fans want as Phil Mickelson hit back with a huge claim.
Jay Monahan admitted the absence of Cameron Smith at the 2023 Players Championship is 'awkward' as Phil Mickelson made an audacious claim about a private conversation with the PGA Tour commissioner.
Monahan faced the media on 7 March before the flagship event of the established tour, which boasts the richest prize purse in its history.
Understandably, Monahan was flooded with a number of questions about the direction of the PGA Tour after plans were unveiled for the 2024 season to have eight designated no-cut events with fields of 70-80 players.
Related: LIV pros blast PGA Tour changes
It is important to note that the schedule has yet to be finalised but it does appear the PGA are resolute in ploughing forward with this blueprint that their LIV Golf rivals believe they have copied.
Monahan spoke to the media for more than 45 minutes on Tuesday and incredibly never even mentioned the words: LIV Golf.
The commissioner also stated he firmly believes the proposed changes are what the fans want.
Pressed on whether the changes resemble their Greg Norman-led rival, Monahan stated:
"Yes, it's awkward"
Monahan also addressed the absence of the aforementioned Smith.
The tour commissioner proudly stated last March that Smith will always receive a hero's welcome at TPC Sawgrass.
Those comments appear to have come back and bitten him in the backside as one of the PGA's brightest stars bolted for LIV Golf.
Smith's parking space at the venue was removed in what was perceived as a cheap and petty dig.
Still, Smith saw the funny side of it all and stated he might turn up anyway as a spectator.
Monahan said:
"I've been hearing that a lot lately"
One question facing the LIV Golf players is: do they have a route back?
Brooks Koepka is said to have 'buyer's remorse' but that his been rubbished by Norman's son.
Monahan said on this topic:
"I'm not going to comment"
The DP World Tour are in a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour, but the proposed changes have called this into question for some.
To many, the proposed changes are further incentivising the so-called elite players to play more on the PGA Tour.
The result? The European-based circuit will be further down the food chain.
Monahan insisted the PGA is "rolling up" their sleeves with DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley every day and are committed further strengthening that partnership.
There is also a delay in the DP World Tour v. LIV Golf hearing.
Does that delay spell something ominous, Mr. Monahan?
Mickelson's huge claim
It appears Mickelson was keeping a close eye on Monahan's press conference.
Rory McIlroy spoke to the media earlier in the day and conceded LIV Golf has benefitted every professional golfer.
Mickelson claimed he spoke to Monahan about having these eight elevated events.
Writing on Twitter, Mickelson wrote:
Lefty added further comment on the subject with his tweet to CBS Sports' Kyle Porter on Wednesday.
Porter then couldn't resist with his response.
oh so NOW you want things on the record
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) March 8, 2023
Next page: Nine players who changed their mind about LIV Golf
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