PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan receives backlash from 9/11 Families United for PGA’s merger with LIV Golf, accused of serving Saudi interests.
Who is Jay Monahan?
Jay Monahan, the current commissioner of the PGA Tour, finds himself at the center of controversy as the PGA’s decision to merge with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour has deeply offended and shocked the 9/11 Families United organization. Comprised of thousands of family members who lost loved ones or were impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the group sees the merger as an act of betrayal.
Terry Strada, chairman of 9/11 Families United and whose husband died in the World Trade Center, accuses Monahan of co-opting the 9/11 community by previously agreeing that the Saudi LIV project was merely an attempt to improve Saudi Arabia’s reputation.
Also Read: Who owns PGA Tour? LIV Golf merger sparks controversy over Saudi Arabia backing
However, with the merger announcement, Strada claims that Monahan and the PGA have become “paid Saudi shills,” accepting billions of dollars to cleanse Saudi Arabia’s reputation while ignoring its alleged role in funding terrorism.
The connection between Saudi Arabia and the 9/11 attacks cannot be overlooked. Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers were Saudi citizens, and Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks, was also born in Saudi Arabia. Despite denials from Saudi Arabia and official statements from the FBI and CIA, the suspicions remain.
Monahan has yet to respond to the backlash, but given the intensity of the criticism, he will likely have to address the concerns raised by 9/11 Families United. As the PGA commissioner since 2017, Monahan has had a successful career in the sport, but the controversy surrounding the merger with LIV Golf has placed him in a difficult position.
Born in Massachusetts, Monahan’s love for golf led him to a successful career in the industry, including roles at IMG Worldwide and the Fenway Sports Group. He joined the PGA Tour in 2008 and climbed the ranks before assuming the role of commissioner. Currently residing in Florida, Monahan has a family and is known for his involvement in charitable initiatives within the sport.
