PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan's $23 Million 2023 Earnings Draw Sharp Criticism
Monahan's compensation, including bonuses and deferred payments, has raised questions about his leadership during a challenging period for professional golf.
Overview
- Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, earned over $23 million in 2023, with $12.1 million in bonuses and incentives, $6.7 million in long-term incentives, and $2.5 million in retirement benefits.
- Monahan's earnings were revealed through the PGA Tour’s latest tax filings, showing a significant increase compared to previous years, despite the Tour's revenue declining to $1.82 billion in 2023 from $1.9 billion in 2022.
- Critics, including players like Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele, have questioned Monahan’s leadership, citing unresolved tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf and a lack of trust among players.
- The PGA Tour's ongoing merger negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) remain incomplete, missing the original December 2023 deadline, further fueling discontent.
- Monahan’s compensation has sparked backlash from fans and players, with some labeling him the “worst commissioner in golf history” due to perceived mismanagement and growing financial disparities within the sport.