Jay Monahan cannot seem to get away from the negative light. A few days ago, Sportico reported that the commissioner earned over $23 million in 2023, which includes a significant $12.1 million bonus, $2.5 million in post-retirement benefits, and $6.7 million in long-term incentive compensation. While this triggered a lot of members of the golf community, this is not all for the allegations.
The Grass League, a new par-3 golf league, had its inaugural event on Thursday at Green Clippings. Players had the opportunity to earn $25,000 without paying any entry fee because the teams already had an owner. While this is the dream of most of the players, it is because of Jay Monahan that it could not happen.
Monday Q Info, X account owner Ryan French recently reported, “According to multiple players I spoke with, franchise owners told players they needed to apply for a media release from the PGA Tour, and all of the releases were denied. The Tour told the players that they couldn’t play a televised event in North America.” This was particularly because of the Tour’s strict scheduling and television rights agreements.
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Others did not apply, despite being reached out to by a team, because they already knew that their media release would be denied. And players who wanted to, could not. “As the conversations with the PGA Tour progressed, players told me, potential participants were threatened with fines and suspensions, and told that they could lose their spot in the final stage of Q-school if they played in the Grass League. One player told me, “It was pretty well known that if we played, they would make an example out of us”,” added French.
It’s nearly impossible to make money on the Americas Tour. So when players from that Tour heard about the new par-three league where they could earn $25,000 per match they were ecstatic.
Until the PGA Tour told them they couldn’t play. My story. https://t.co/HtSpYlgjhw
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) December 6, 2024
Well, as it turns out, the players were already utterly infuriated with Jay Monahan because of the constant delay in the merger. And now, while no names were announced, this instance only seemed to have ignited the fire more, and even the senior players were mad.
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Jay Monahan’s decision has left players frustratedThe Tour initially had no issue with a few Champions Tour players being part of the league. However, later they changed their minds. It left golfers utterly frustrated. One of the players reportedly told Ryan French, “I’m running out of money—we all are, And I can’t play in a par-3 event where I could win $25,000.” He went on to add how no American Tour players have entire profit throughout the season. Players who drop down below the top 10 do get shares, but they are not as high as the winners.
And from it, there are several reductions. For example, the PGA Tour has a fixed proportion that has to be paid from their share to their caddies. This takes up a lot of the money too. “One current PGA Tour member said, “It’s insane that they are denying Americas Tour players.”” reported French. He also stated that apart from a few players, no other professionals are earning much profit from the game. The player ended by saying, “We are independent contractors when they see fit, and we are employees when they see fit.” That is how frustrated they are.
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What do you think might be the reason behind this ban? Is it the merger announced between LIV Golf and the European Tour? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
Source : EssentiallySports