VEDRA PONTE BEACH, FLORIDA – One of the most frequently leveled criticisms of the PGA Tour is its lack of transparency in matters ranging from the player of the year vote, which is not published in any detail, to fines and suspensions, which are made public only infrequently.
When asked to give commissioner Jay Monahan a grade on Tuesday at The Players Championship, Rory McIlroy, who is one of four player directors on the Tour’s policy board this year, gave him mostly good marks.
He did, however, mention that the circuit’s lack of openness is a problem.
“I believe transparency and perhaps a less closed shop,” McIlroy added. “I’ve always thought that a few of the bans or suspensions should be made public.” That’s something I’ve always said.”
“I would just say, effective immediately, Rory McIlroy is suspended,” the commissioner laughed when heard of McIlroy’s remarks.
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Monahan noted that the policy board had discussed transparency before and would do so again if McIlroy brought it up.
“If a member of our board feels strongly about something, rest assured that it will be discussed with our Player Advisory Council and, ultimately, our board.” That’s how the system works, according to Monahan. “It’s a complaint that has been leveled against the PGA Tour over the years, and I believe we must constantly be willing to evolve.”
