Jay Monahan Admits Biggest Regret As PGA Tour Exit Nears

Jay Monahan is preparing to leave the PGA Tour after 10 turbulent years as commissioner, and he's finally acknowledging the decision that nearly destroyed his credibility with the players he represented.

In a revealing interview with Golfweek columnist Eamon Lynch, Monahan admitted his biggest regret wasn't battling LIV Golf or negotiating with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

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It was how he blindsided PGA Tour members with the controversial June 2023 framework agreement.

"The biggest regret is the way that I handled the rollout of the framework agreement," Monahan said.

The announcement stunned professional golf. After years of publicly opposing LIV Golf and its Saudi financial backing, Monahan suddenly revealed negotiations with the same organization he'd portrayed as a threat to the PGA Tour.

Players weren't consulted beforehand, creating outrage and accusations of betrayal.

Monahan now admits he handled the situation poorly.

"I should have started with the players," he acknowledged.

But the fallout extended far beyond damaged relationships.

Monahan revealed the extraordinary personal toll of leading the PGA Tour through its bitter conflict with LIV Golf. He described sleepless nights, overwhelming pressure and a moment at home when he realized he needed professional help.

The crisis eventually forced him to take a leave of absence in June 2023.

His departure comes at a dramatically different time for professional golf.

LIV Golf's financial collapse has left the PGA Tour in a stronger competitive position, although the sport still faces questions about integrating former LIV players.

Monahan also leaves behind significant business changes.

The PGA Tour secured a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group in 2024, established PGA Tour Enterprises and introduced an ownership program that now includes more than 200 players.

Those moves transformed the Tour's financial structure and gave its members a more direct stake in the organization's future.

Still, questions remain about the investment, including why much of that capital hasn't been deployed.

Monahan defended the decision, suggesting the money would become important as the Tour pursued additional changes.

The commissioner also pointed to golf's successful return during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of his proudest accomplishments.

Monahan officially steps down December 31, with current CEO Brian Rolapp assuming the commissioner role January 1, 2027.

Rolapp will oversee another major transformation when the PGA Tour introduces its Championship and Challenger Series in 2028.

As for Monahan, he isn't interested in declaring victory over LIV Golf or its former leadership.

Instead, he's leaving the judgment to history.

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"I think history will determine what my impact or what my legacy was," Monahan said.

After a decade of enormous financial growth, unprecedented controversy and fractured relationships, that legacy will be anything but simple.