PGA Tour Announces Plans to Hire New CEO, Jay Monahan Shares Year-End Update
In a year-end video update shared on social media, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan revealed that the organization is seeking to add a Chief Executive Officer to its leadership team.
Monahan, who will remain as Commissioner and a key member of the PGA Tour Enterprises board, described the decision as a forward-thinking move to bring fresh perspectives and unlock new opportunities for professional golf.
“We’re introducing new voices to our leadership team to help seize the incredible opportunities that lie ahead,” Monahan said in the announcement. “There’s so much we can learn from the world of sports and entertainment, and I look forward to meeting candidates who can help guide us into the future.”
The timing of this decision is significant as the PGA Tour continues negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the financial backer of LIV Golf. Recent reports, including one from Bloomberg, suggest that both sides are close to finalizing an agreement that could see the PIF acquire a stake in PGA Tour Enterprises.
Additional Leadership Changes
Monahan’s announcement coincides with other leadership shifts within the PGA Tour. Ron Price, the Tour's Chief Operating Officer and key figure in its 2023 Congressional testimony, is set to retire, as reported by Sports Business Journal.
Speaking on the changes, PGA Tour Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Andy Weitz emphasized the positive momentum for the sport.
“This is about ensuring we have the right people in the right roles as we move forward,” Weitz said during a live appearance on Golf Channel. “We’re focused on delivering exciting new experiences for fans in 2025 and beyond.”
Weitz also noted that updates regarding ongoing discussions with the PIF are expected early in the new year.
Golf’s Leadership Landscape in Flux
The PGA Tour isn’t the only major golf organization experiencing leadership changes. LIV Golf recently appointed Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, replacing Greg Norman. O’Neil, a veteran executive in professional sports, previously led the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.
Meanwhile, the LPGA is also undergoing a leadership transition. Longtime Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepped down earlier this month, with Liz Moore currently serving as interim commissioner.
Looking Ahead
The addition of a new CEO marks a pivotal moment for the PGA Tour as it looks to navigate ongoing rivalries and collaborations with LIV Golf, while continuing to grow the game globally. Fans can expect more updates on the Tour’s leadership structure and its negotiations with the PIF in early 2025.