PGA Tour Commish hides behind red tape amid Rory McIlroy policy board recusal

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Rory McIlroy would not replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour Policy Board. That came on the heels of Simpson announcing his recusal in order for McIlroy to take his place.

Ahead of the Wells Fargo Championship, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement regarding the recent development.

“Today’s news is in no way a commentary on Rory’s important perspective and influence. It’s simply a matter of adherence to our governance process by with a Tour player become a Board member,” Monahan wrote.

“Webb remaining in his position as a member of the Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this important time.”

McIlroy has voiced his opinion that professional golf is in need of a world tour, bringing the sport together again. It has been reported there were members on the board, namely Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods, who were less than welcoming.

Therefore, the Commissioner’s comments ring hollow and sound more like coach-speak to save face.

He then gave more of the same on the negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

“We are making progress in our negotiations with the PIF and are working as a collective — the Player’s Directors, our Boards, and Tour management — to remain open-minded to all avenues that advance the Tour in the best interest of our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans.”

McIlroy wants to help move along the discussions with PIF, but that is not going to happen.

“It got pretty complicated and pretty messy, and I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before,” McIlroy said Wednesday.

“There was a subset of people on the board who were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason. Yeah, I think that the best course of action is if, you know, there are some people on there who aren’t comfortable with me coming back on, then... I just sort of keep doing what I am doing.”

The 35-year-old knows this divide in golf is not good for the game. Yet, he will have to watch from the sideline like everyone else.

Tiger Woods will be the only PGA Tour player speaking with the Saudis as part of the 5-person subcommittee who will stage negotiations.

Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John Henry of Fenway Sports Group and Joe Ogilvie are the other four men who will join Woods to discuss the deal.

They will then report back to the PGA Tour’s Policy Board.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.