For the first time in 22 years, the PGA Tour season will begin without Tim Finchem as commissioner.
Jay Monahan’s era begins this week as the PGA Tour season debuts in Hawaii.
During his 22-year reign, Finchem oversaw growth where total money on the PGA Tour went from $50 million to more than $300 million this season. He leaves a well-oiled machine behind.
When you look at Monahan, his rise to commissioner has been meteoric. Consider that seven years ago, he was basically the guy who ran the Players Championship. He joined the PGA Tour staff full time in 2010 and to think that in a short six years he’d rise to commissioner is amazing.
It’s also a financial windfall for the 46-year-old Monahan.
When Finchem left the PGA Tour, he was fifth on the list of highest paid commissioners. He earned more than $11 million in 2015.
Monahan comes into the office without any major problems to solve.
The return of Tiger Woods will boost television ratings, the up-and-coming stars are playing well. There are no major controversies as long as Phil Mickelson can stay clear of insider trading schemes.
All things considered, it’s good to be Jay Monahan.
