Jay Monahan & Co. Accused of Adopting ‘Money First’ Approach as PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger Nears

Experienced PGA Tour player Ryan Palmer has won four times and is widely recognized for his steady play and charismatic demeanor on the course. Notably, he established himself as a strong opponent by winning the 2010 Sony Open in Hawaii and the 2008 Ginn sur Mer Classic. Apart from his skill as an athlete, Palmer has gained popularity among fans due to his openness about the changing nature of professional golf and his distinctive interactions with spectators.

However, Palmer has recently garnered attention for both his skills and his audacious opinions about the PGA Tour’s current situation. His recent comments regarding the Tour’s changing priorities have provoked discussions among players and spectators alike as the sport experiences major changes. Let’s see what Palmer had to say!

PGA Tour is a ‘money first, play later’ league, claims Palmer

Ryan Palmer recently expressed his concerns about the PGA Tour’s recent structural changes in an exclusive conversation on Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz’s GOLF’s Subpar podcast. Palmer and the hosts acknowledged that the introduction of signature tournaments is similar to LIV Golf, a league that the PGA Tour has previously condemned for putting financial incentives ahead of the sport’s history.

Palmer emphasized the implementation of guaranteed money, limited-field, and no-cut competitions, which are structured similarly to LIV Golf. He underlined that it appears like the PGA Tour’s long-standing focus on tradition and merit-based competition is waning. Palmer stated, “I haven’t seen what the ratings are for Pebble yet,” alluding to a recent competition. “Obviously, we had a very good leaderboard on an iconic golf course, with Rory McIlroy winning, which is huge. It should have done pretty good numbers. But for the most part, every time we’ve had events with no cuts, even going back to WGCs, the only reason those succeeded at all is because Tiger won them all. But if he when he’s gone, they suck.”

He went on to explain why no-cut tournaments aren’t very exciting, saying, “There’s no juice on Thursday, Friday, the telecast sucks. The most exciting thing early in the week is watching people try to make the cut, and now that’s gone. I hate it. I think the cut’s part of the professional game, and it drives me crazy.” Palmer also drew attention to the PGA Tour’s inconsistent position, pointing out that the tour stressed the value of obtaining a spot and not having cash guaranteed when LIV Golf launched no-cut events. Palmer believes the Tour has now reverted to its original ideals with the addition of signature events. He added saying, “Just feel like they’ve just walked back like 90% of the stuff that they said that what differentiates the PGA… no guaranteed money. Gotta earn it. Keep your spot every… now it’s like, kidding. No cuts. These 50 are for sure. Staying on. We’re gonna shovel money at everyone.”

In closing, he made a moving statement saying “Honestly, LIV caused that. I mean, now, in my opinion, it’s turned into money first, play later. You know, it’s not, I’m not playing this.” Thus, as professional golf struggles to strike a balance between tradition and innovation, this open conversation highlights the growing tensions within the sport. A wider discussion over the sport’s future and the principles it should support has been spurred by the PGA Tour’s recent actions. Though Palmer’s passionate views on the PGA Tour’s changing format have generated controversy, his playful encounters with fans at the WM Phoenix Open reveal another side of him that appreciates the fun and culture of the game. Let’s find out why fans appreciated Palmer.

Ryan Palmer tosses money balls to fans

At the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, Ryan Palmer made news with his unusual fan interaction, moving from criticism to friendship. The tournament, which is well-known for its wild vibes, especially at the par-3 16th hole, has evolved into a platform for Palmer’s imaginative encounters with onlookers.

Palmer, to the pleasure of the audience, threw golf balls wrapped in cash into the stands as he embraced the festive atmosphere of the event. In addition to winning him over the people, this gesture has grown to be a much anticipated annual event. Palmer discussed the beginnings of this custom, saying, “I started throwing $20 bills into the stands, but they kept blowing back. So, I put a rubber band around them and a golf ball and tossed them into the crowd with a note urging folks to go purchase a beverage on my dime.” Palmer carried on this custom in 2025, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Ryan Palmer’s memorable 16th hole: misses the green, pays off a wager, must don a Jalen Hurts jersey, and throws golf balls filled with money into the crowd!

Palmer’s “beer money” effort is an ideal illustration of his affinity for the sport and his comprehension of its culture. He has embraced the vibrant atmosphere of the Phoenix Open and produced unforgettable moments that appeal to fans and add to the tournament’s distinct allure. To maintain the sport’s competitiveness and inclusivity, players like Ryan Palmer serve as a reminder of the significance of striking a balance between professionalism and accessibility as the PGA Tour negotiates its changing identity.