In a mid-week memo to PGA Tour players, commissioner Jay Monahan did more than provide a status update on himself and the potential agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Monahan confirmed that the PGA Tour will not adopt the model local rule being proposed by the United States Golf Association and the R&A, aimed at regulating the balls used by professionals and other elite golfers.
It’s a dramatic step, sure to further fuel the polarizing discussion about distance in the modern game.
While the USGA and the R&A have not formally adopted the restrictive rule, leaders of both organizations have gone on record recently saying that doing nothing about the distance issue is not an option.
“Although there has been some level of support for limiting future increases, there is widespread and significant belief the proposed Modified Local Rule is not warranted and is not in the best interest of the game. Following a discussion on the topic at a recent PAC meeting, we have notified the USGA and The R&A that while the PGA Tour is committed to collaborating with them – and all industry partners – to arrive at a solution that will best serve our players, our fans and the game at all levels, we are not able to support the MLR as proposed,” Monahan wrote in his memo.
Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are among the players who have spoken out in support of the proposed new rule, but others have been critical, arguing that limiting the distance tour players can hit the ball diminishes the product and adds bifurcation to the game.
Without the tour’s support, it raises the likelihood that in 2026, when the rule would be implemented, at least two of the four major championships – the U.S. Open and the Open Championship – would be played with different golf balls than what the players use in week-to-week competition.
The Masters indicated its support for the proposal in April, and the PGA of America remained non-committal regarding whether the rule would be enacted for the PGA Championship.
Monahan’s memo, which followed a PGA Tour Policy Board meeting as well as a Player Advisory Council meeting, was his first since he returned to work July 17 after taking a five-week break because of undisclosed medical reasons.
“Our position would be to support the governing bodies, and then if there is no action taken, for whatever reason, then we need to look at other options with regard to our golf course and what we can do to continue to challenge these great golfers and maintain the design integrity that was initially adopted by Mr. [Bobby] Jones and Mr. [Alister] MacKenzie,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said in April.
The PGA Tour’s decision is one more wrinkle in an already contentious subject. The open comment on the proposed rule closes Aug. 14, after which the ruling bodies can formalize the rule should they decide to do so.
In a statement, the USGA said, “We remain in a Notice & Comment period, accepting feedback from voices from across the game. The PGA Tour is an important stakeholder and we appreciate the feedback they have contributed to this conversation.”
Monahan’s memo, which followed a PGA Tour Policy Board meeting as well as a Player Advisory Council meeting, was his first since he returned to work July 17 after taking a five-week break because of undisclosed medical reasons.
The two-page memo, which touched on multiple subjects, could be seen as Monahan making an effort to keep all players informed about the tour’s business in the aftermath of the harsh criticism he received from many players for the secretive nature of his dealings with the PIF in reaching a framework agreement between the two parties, potentially threatening his position as commissioner.
Monahan said progress is being made on formulating a compensation package for players who remained on the PGA Tour and finding a potential path back for players who joined LIV Golf. “All aspects of the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations are being considered, and more details will be provided upon further evaluation.”
Other important elements of Monahan’s memo:
• Colin Neville of the Raine Group will work with tour leaders as they attempt to finalize an agreement with the PIF and the DP World Tour. Neville was involved in the Premier Golf League concept, which led to LIV Golf’s creation, and recently has been involved in the sale of Premier League teams Chelsea FC and Manchester United.
According to Monahan’s memo, Neville will work with the five players on the tour Policy Board – McIlroy, Webb Simpson, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman and Peter Malnati – as well as the 16-player PAC.
“I’m confident Colin’s perspective and expertise will help ensure a transparent, efficient, and collaborative process,” Monahan wrote.
• A search is underway to find a replacement for Randall Stephenson, who resigned his seat on the tour’s Policy Board. Stephenson was one of five independent directors. Cantlay, Simpson and board members Mary Meeker and Mark Flaherty will lead that search.
• Monahan said progress is being made on formulating a compensation package for players who remained on the PGA Tour and finding a potential path back for players who joined LIV Golf.
“All aspects of the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations are being considered, and more details will be provided upon further evaluation,” Monahan wrote regarding the status of LIV golfers.
Also, Jason Gore has been promoted to executive vice president and chief player officer. Gore, a former tour winner who joined the tour leadership last summer, has been a popular addition among players, and he will report directly to Monahan on player-related matters.
• The 2024 tour schedule, which features a return to a calendar schedule, will be released Aug. 8 at a player meeting at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, and will include “record-breaking total compensation,” according to Monahan.