PGA Tour head says ‘anxiety’ caused his unexpected absence after LIV Golf announcement

Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour Commissioner, took a break from his role due to his mental health. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images CNN  — 

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan cited “anxiety” as the reason he took an unexpected break from his role, following the PGA Tour’s proposed partnership with Saudi’s Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the backers of LIV Golf – and the European-based DP World Tour.

“I was dealing with anxiety, which created physical and mental health issues and challenges for me,” Monahan told reporters, according to ESPN.

A PGA Tour spokesperson confirmed Monahan’s quotes from Wednesday to CNN.

“I needed to step away and to deal with that and understand how to develop the skills to deal with that going forward,” the 53-year-old added.

On June 13, the PGA Tour said Monahan had been relieved of his day-to-day duties while he recuperated from a medical situation. He returned to his typical role just over a month later on July 17.

On June 6, the PGA Tour sent shockwaves through the sport after announcing it had come to an agreement to join forces with the PIF’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights.

The controversial proposal initiated an ongoing investigation by the US Senate into the planned venture.