Under-fire PGA Tour chief Monahan steps back due to 'medical situation'

Under-fire PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan is stepping away from day-to-day operations of the tour as he recovers from an undisclosed medical situation, a statement said Tuesday.

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Monahan has faced stinging criticism in the wake of the PGA Tour's shock merger with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf last week, with multiple players calling for him to resign.

A brief joint statement from Monahan and the PGA Tour policy board on Tuesday said Monahan would step back from his duties for an unspecified period as he recovers.

"Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation," the statement said.

"The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy."

The statement said PGA Tour chief operating officer Ron Price and Tyler Dennis, executive vice-president of the tour would lead "day-to-day operations" in Monahan's absence.

"We will provide further updates as appropriate," the statement added.

Monahan was the target of fury by PGA Tour players last week after news broke of the bombshell agreement that will see the tour and DP World Tour join forces with the Saudi backers of the LIV golf circuit.

Joint Statement from TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and the PGA TOUR Policy Boardhttps://t.co/ZwqdKvJ9yv

Monahan - who had railed against LIV since its inception while simultaneously lobbying star tour players to resist huge paydays to join the circuit - was accused of hypocrisy after the volte face.

Speaking in a media conference call following announcement of the merger, Monahan said he understood the criticism directed his way.

"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," Monahan said.

Monahan also