Golf Channel pundit Rex Hoggard has been discussing the PGA Tour’s ongoing talks with the PIF nearly eight months after an agreement was meant to be reached.
Progress has been painfully slow, with officials and players on both sides reluctant to reveal what’s happening behind the scenes.
Talks appeared to accelerate the week before the US Open after Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy met with the Saudis.
Monahan, however, has now hinted at yet another season of divide.
Rex Hoggard slams Jay Monahan’s comments at the St Jude Championship
- READ MORE: $500m LIV Golf star desperate to return to the PGA Tour and give the PIF their money back
Speaking ahead of last week’s St Jude Championship at TPC Southwind, Monahan suggested that the 2025 PGA Tour schedule all but confirms an agreement with the PIF won’t be struck until 2026 at the earliest.
And Hoggard hasn’t held back after hearing the commissioner’s comments.
“There was a December 31st deadline last year to turn the framework agreement into something definitive, and we are clearly nowhere close to that,” Hoggard said [Golf Channel Podcast]. “It’s clear from the PGA Tour’s perspective that they’re completely comfortable. The commissioner and people around him are comfortable not having a deal, at least in the short term.”
The Golf Channel pundit went on to suggest a deal might not be struck until 2027. “When you started talking about 26/27 when they’re starting to look, I think it’s become less and less likely that we are going to come up with any type of arrangement,” Hoggard added. “I’ve been really, really clear on this one. I don’t think going down this path is the right way for the game.”
Finally, Hoggard shared a scathing verdict on Monahan’s decision-making. “There was a December 31st deadline, and now he’s looking to 27 and beyond; that’s shocking to me,” he said.
PGA Tour stars remain in the dark over LIV Golf talks
The current situation is frustrating for players, fans and officials on either side. It’s becoming tedious hearing PGA Tour stars come out with the same PR-friendly lines when asked about how talks are progressing.
Patrick Cantlay responded to a LIV question before the St Jude Championship, and Jordan Spieth recently tip-toed around the subject before the John Deere Classic.
The sooner this saga is resolved, the better. However, Monahan and those on the PGA Tour board’s lack of urgency is hugely concerning.
LIV isn’t going anywhere and will only grow over the coming years. The way forward seems to be to reach an agreement and align both tours. Delaying the process for another two or even three years could irreparably damage golf as we know it.
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