PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan says leave of absence came from 'anxiety' of LIV deal

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The PGA Tour's decision to strike a deal with the Saudi's Public Investment Fund that supports LIV Golf took its toll on commissioner Jay Monahan.

Monahan received harsh criticism from all over — fans, 9/11 families and Tour Members, current and former, alike.

Just about a week after the deal was announced on June 6, Monahan took a leave of absence to deal with a "medical situation." He did not return until July 17.

On Wednesday, he revealed that his leave of absence was due to the stress he was facing from the deal.

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PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan speaks during a news conference before the start of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

"I think the reality for me was that I was dealing with anxiety, which created physical and mental health issues and challenges for me," Monahan said. "And I realized that I needed to step away and to deal with that and understand how to develop the skills to deal with that going forward.

"To step away at that point in time was very difficult for me, but I needed to take care of myself and my family, and ultimately come back here stronger than I've ever been to lead the PGA Tour forward. And my family and my doctors supported me coming back."

"I think everyone knows my nature and my nature is to always be one to run into a fight or a conflict, not run away from it," Monahan continued. "Because I had world-class medical care, I fully committed to the process. I was not going to come back until I was told by doctors and medical experts and my wife