Jon Rahm, Brian Harman weigh in on Jay Monahan’s job security

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The question was blunt: Do you think Jay Monahan should keep his job as PGA Tour commissioner?

Brian Harman, the 2023 Open champion, and Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion and No. 1 player in the FedEx Cup standings, were asked that Tuesday ahead of the start of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Both defended Monahan, even as the PGA Tour’s membership wrestles with conflicted views on how Monahan has handled the feud between the Tour and LIV Golf, particularly in light of the surprise announcement in June that the two sides were in negotiations to form a partnership.

“I think Jay is a very qualified leader for our organizations,” Harman said.

“Without Jay Monahan, I don’t know if we make it through COVID,” he continued. “His leadership and his bravery through that — we were the only sport operating, and I can remember we were on the range and in Connecticut, and it’s peak COVID, and there was guys that were going down left and right, like this guy is positive.”

Rahm had a similar stance on Harman, although he’s still withholding final judgment until he sees the details of the potential deal being hatched between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

“I think he should have the opportunity right now to finish this off the way he did,” Rahm said. “I think we’re quickly forgetting how well he managed a lot of things. He did an amazing job in COVID and kept a lot of people employed.”

Monahan is planning to meet with the players on Tuesday, and Rahm intends to be there.

“I don’t know if there’s going to be any announcements from the PGA Tour management side or not, but I’ll just go hoping I get to hear what other players have to say and see how different that is or same to what I’m thinking,” Rahm said.

And if Monahan really wants to gain favor with Rahm, he just needs to implement one adjustment.

“I can tell you right now my priorities are a lot lower than what a lot of people would think,” Rahm said “I know this is going to sound very stupid, but as simple as having a freaking Porta Potty on every hole. I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t choose when I have to go to the bathroom.”