PGA Tour boss ripped into after 'on-brand' moment: "Worst commissioner in sports!"
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan was roasted by golf fans on social media for delivering an 'on-brand' speech at the season finale at East Lake.
Golf fans on social media let PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan feel their wrath after he delivered an 'on-brand' speech at the conclusion of the season finale at East Lake.
World number one Scottie Scheffler underlined his status as the best men's player on the planet in 2024 with a dominant performance at the Tour Championship.
The 28-year-old American finished four shots clear of Collin Morikawa in second and scooped a $25m bonus for his efforts.
As ever, PGA Tour commissioner Monahan delivered his annual speech in honour of the winner at the prize giving ceremony.
Monahan would've been forgiven for thinking he was about to receive a frosty reception given he was jeered at his last public appearance in March.
He didn't exactly receive a warm welcome when spoke in the immediate aftermath of the aforementioned Scheffler's victory at the Players.
On Sunday, though, Monahan wasn't jeered but his microphone didn't appear to be working properly.
It led to a disjointed speech that golf fans described as 'on-brand' given what has transpired in men's professional golf over the last two years.
Monahan has been heavily criticised by golf fans, analysts and even his own players for his handling of the LIV Golf saga.
Some high-profile players, such as Xander Schauffele, have called for him to resign after given he struck a peace deal with LIV's backers without players' knowledge.
"We need a leader," Schauffele told The Times of London in June.
"I've criticised Jay in the past, but the fact is not once has our commander-in-chief stood up for all of us players and said, ‘This is happening, this is where we're going,' and protected us, basically.
"He didn't take a stand when anyone left, he didn't come out to the public and face the music, none of that.
"Obviously, there were reasons, but historically in tough situations you need a strong leader who can make the big waves smaller and make us feel better about what we're doing. Right now, we don't have that."
Despite the backlash Monahan is still standing.
He conceded that he bungled the announcement of the framework agreement and vowed to regain players' trust.
But it appears he is still a target for frequent criticism.
Here's how golf fans reacted during Monahan's speech on Sunday:
Monahan warns no deadline for PIF deal
Last week, Monahan also delivered his annual 'state of the Tour' news conference.
During that appearance, Monahan claimed he has been encouraged by 'enhanced' negotiations with LIV's backers, the Saudi PIF, but warned no deadline has been set for a deal to be agreed.
The Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi PIF signed a framework agreement last June that would combine the commercial interests of the respective tours and end the hostilities.
Monahan said: "We have not agreed to a deadline. I don't think we want to restrict ourselves in that way.
"We want to achieve the best and right outcome at the right time.
"Together, we're at the table and actively engaged with the Public Investment Fund.
"We remain hopeful about that outcome. At the same time, we're moving forward at speed and focused on what we can control.
"Because that's whatwe owe to our fans."
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