Under fire PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan steps away from role after 'medical issue'

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has stepped away from his role after suffering a 'medical issue'. 

In a statement released on 14 June, the PGA Tour confirmed he is stepping away from his day-to-day duties for the foreseeable future. 

It is not known what 'medical issue' Monahan has suffered but the news comes barely a week after an announcement that shocked the golf world. 

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Monahan was at the receiving end of some harsh criticism after he confirmed the PGA Tour had struck a deal with LIV Golf's Saudi backers. 

That deal is now under scrutiny by US Congress but Monahan has fired back, suggesting government inaction led to the deal. 

In a fiery letter that was leaked and published by Politico, Monahan said the tour was essentially left to fend for themselves over attacks from a foreign government who were attempting to buy the game of golf and steal their best stars. 

A statement from the PGA Tour read:

Monahan is 53 years old and joined the tour in 2008 as executive director of the Players Championship. He took over from Tim Finchem as commissioner in 2017 having served as the chief operating officer for two years. 

The news also comes a week after Monahan was involved in what was described as a 'tense' players' meeting after Monahan announced the partnership with Saudi Arabia's PIF. 

Monahan faced heckles and calls for his resignation. The reaction from players has been mixed. A number of the top stars were asked about the deal before this week's US Open. 

Jon Rahm said he felt a sense of betrayal. Rory McIlroy said the news blindsided him and made him feel like a sacrificial lamb. Meanwhile, Cameron Smith claimed he thought the news was a joke. 

We are yet to hear what Tiger Woods makes of the proposal. 

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