PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan was asked on Wednesday’s edition of Golf Today to respond to 9/11 families furious over the PGA’s decision to merge with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
The head of 9/11 Families United wrote a statement Tuesday saying they were “shocked and deeply offended” over the PGA’s decision to partner with a Saudi-funded enterprise.
The organization wrote that Monahan “co-opted the 9/11 community last year in the PGA’s unequivocal agreement that the Saudi LIV project was nothing more than sportswashing of Saudi Arabia’s reputation.”
Monahan criticized players in summer of 2022 who joined the LIV tour for more money, implying their decision was immoral.
Monahan said Wednesday that he regretted not reaching out to those potentially affected by the LIV merger, including the families of 9/11 victims. Although he lamented not being more transparent in communicating the deal with “important constituents,” he argued that the deal helps the sport.
“I read Terry’s comments. I … I … you know, obviously acknowledge her loss and completely understand her position. And, to the question that you were just asking, you know, I wish, I think about the fact that I allowed confidentiality to prevail here. And in allowing confidentiality to prevail, I did not communicate to very important constituents including the families of 9/11,” he said.
Watch:
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Several golfers, including those who have been on the PGA tour throughout the legal squabbles and drama that came with a new rival league flushed with cash, as well as those who left for the LIV tour, reacted to the news of a merger Tuesday.
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