The proposed merger between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia initially appeared to elevate Jay Monahan to the forefront, while posing potential challenges for Greg Norman of LIV Golf. Monahan had been hailed as the future leader with the authority to eliminate LIV Golf, and Norman was cautioned that he could face unemployment if the deal went through. However, the situation has since taken a different turn.
Seven months later, the circumstances look unfavourable for Monahan. Despite all expectations, Norman remains resolute and self-assured. While some members of the PGA Tour have been advocating for new leadership, Norman has expressed his confidence in the long-term prospects of LIV Golf. He is even optimistic that LIV Golf will continue as an independent entity even if a deal with the PGA Tour materializes.
The PGA Tour has had to confront the repercussions of underestimating LIV Golf. The signing of prominent golf stars such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and now, Jon Rahm, has posed a significant threat to the PGA Tour and has triggered a cascade of effects, leading to increased financial commitments and alterations to prize purses. The substantial financial resources of the Public Investment Fund, totaling over $700 billion, places Norman in a strong position, leaving Monahan scrambling to maintain control.
The lack of transparency in Monahan’s negotiations with the PIF, which resulted in the addition of Tiger Woods to the Player Advisory Board, has further tarnished Monahan’s reputation. Golfers like Viktor Hovland have expressed a sense of betrayal, believing that management has not acted in the best interest of the players.
It seems that Monahan’s attempts to diminish LIV Golf have only served to draw more attention to the league, as evidenced by its success in attracting major golf talents from the PGA Tour.
The looming question is this: Will it be Monahan, once viewed as a rising star in the golf industry, or Norman, the CEO and Commissioner of LIV, who ultimately faces downfall? Even if the deal between these two entities falls through, the prospect of Monahan being the one to clear out his desk in Ponte Vedra Beach while Norman survives the tumult is very real. Time will reveal who emerges victorious.
According to authoritative sources, Tom D’Angelo from the Palm Beach Post covers golf and various other sports as part of the USA Today Network.
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