PGA chief Jay Monahan has temporarily stepped away from his duties due to an undisclosed medical issue, it has been revealed.

The commissioner has handed over the reins to Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and executive vice president Tyler Dennis during his absence.

However, details of this 53-year-old’s illness have not yet been revealed.

A PGA statement read: “Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy Board that he is recuperating from a medical situation.

“The Board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy.

“During Jay’s absence, Ron Price, Chief Operating Officer, and Tyler Dennis, Executive Vice President & President, PGA TOUR, will lead the day-to-day operations of the PGA TOUR with the assistance of the great team Jay has built.

“Ensuring seamless continuity. We will provide further updates as appropriate.”

The statement continued: ‘Our thoughts are with Jay and his family during his absence, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“We have a strong and experienced leadership team in place, and our priority is to support our players and continue the work underway to further lead the PGA Tour and golf’s future.’

Monahan’s illness-enforced hiatus comes less than a week after the PGA’s controversial merger with LIV Golf.

PGA chiefs finally relented in their long and public battle with the Saudi PIF (Public Investment Fund) by agreeing to a commercial business partnership.

Monahan secretly negotiated the deal with investment banker Jimmy Dunne and New York attorney Ed Herlihy for TWO MONTHS before it became public knowledge.

His secret dealings with the Saudis drew the ire of many players, some of whom felt betrayed by his actions.

In the wake of the news, Monahan said:: “I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite.”

“Anytime I said anything, I said it with the information that I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that´s trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players.

“I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change.

“I think that in looking at the big picture and looking at it this way, that´s what got us to this point.”

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