PGA Tour boss cracks Billy Horschel joke whilst masterfully ducking LIV Golf question

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan spoke to reporters about his experience playing the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Ben Smith

08 Oct 2024

PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan joked he didn't want to put Billy Horschel through the experience of playing with him again as he opened up playing the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

But the commissioner of the North American circuit refused to divulge what, if anything, was said in private meetings with his LIV Golf counterpart Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

All eyes were on Monahan and Al-Rumayyan last week in Scotland, with the duo pictured laughing, hugging and smiling at the home of golf.

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Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jay Monahan at Carnoustie pic.twitter.com/6LN6ChJ6hK
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) October 3, 2024

It was a particularly jarring scene, considering events that have transpired in the men's game since June 2022.

Monahan refused to speak to reporters throughout the week.

But after he played his third and final round with Horschel, he did offer a few thoughts to a small group of reporters.

"This has been an awesome week," Monahan said, per The Scotsman's Martin Dempster.

"It was an incredible experience to play these three courses and be inside the ropes with Billy.

"We had great pairings and obviously the weather is like this all the time.

"After watching this event for so long on TV and knowing how important it is to the DP World Tour and to the game, it has been cool to have this experience.

"To have played at Pebble [Beach] in the past, it is a great experience, as is this one."

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As many as 13 LIV Golf players teed it up last week.

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The Dunhill is run by the South African billionaire, Johann Rupert, who is said to be a staunch advocate for reunification.

Rory McIlroy even hailed his influence before the tournament.

Monahan expressed similar sentiments, saying Rupert deserves credit for trying to bring the game back together.

"I believe this is the 24th year that Dunhill has sponsored this event," Monahan said.

"He is a man of the world and this is an event that is about the world.

"It was a very important week and wonderful to be a part of it."

European Tour Group chief executive Guy Kinnings was also present last week.

There has been speculation in recent weeks that should a deal between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF fall through then that could potentially lead to the European-based circuit striking an agreement with LIV.

McIlroy previously said this is a distinct possibility and the result would mean the men's game would go back to the 80s and 90s where two strong tours existed.

Monahan claims the partnership with the DP World Tour is working, despite some observers suggesting it is not.