Monahan named Executive Director of THE PLAYERS

text size

The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Jay Monahan has been named Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Monahan comes to the PGA TOUR from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), where he served as executive vice president since October 2005, leading the sales and business development team for FSG's property ownership and representation divisions. He played an integral role in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, Mass., one of the four events in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, working with IMG Worldwide and Deutsche Bank to implement and expand the tournament sales and marketing efforts.

"Jay brings a wealth of experience to THE PLAYERS," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "His knowledge of the golf industry, our athletes and of elevating a championship tournament make him the preeminent choice for executive director. He is forward-thinking, well-respected and energetic -- qualities that will serve him, THE PLAYERS, the PGA TOUR and the Jacksonville community well."

In addition to managing FSG's relationship with The Deutsche Bank Championship, Monahan directed FSG's sponsorship sales operations for the Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball Advanced Media, NASCAR's Roush Fenway Racing and Boston College Athletics.

Prior to joining FSG Monahan spent three years at IMG Worldwide as executive director. He played a critical role in creating the Deutsche Bank Championship and served as the tournament's first director. In that capacity, he managed the relationship between Deutsche Bank and the Tiger Woods Foundation (now the Tiger Woods Learning Center). The tournament raised more than $4.5 million for the foundation and local charities in just three years.

"Jay has tremendous knowledge of all aspects of tournament golf, as well as experience with other major league sports, and his enthusiasm and high energy will be significant factors in continuing the growth of THE PLAYERS," said Henry Hughes, CEO of THE PLAYERS. "I look forward to having Jay as part of the PGA TOUR and the beginning of another great era for THE PLAYERS."

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the PGA TOUR and lead THE PLAYERS, which is one of the most prestigious events in golf," said Monahan. "I've been fortunate throughout my career to work with world-class organizations, blue-chip brands and exceptional people, especially here in the New England area. I am humbled and excited to join the PGA TOUR family and contribute as much as I can to elevate THE PLAYERS to even greater heights."

"Jay's role in helping us build FSG over the past three years will never be forgotten and we are eternally grateful for his contributions, as well as the class and professionalism that he brought to our organization," said Mike Dee, president of FSG. "We are also thrilled for him and his family that he can pursue his passion of working in golf on a full-time basis. The opportunity to run one of the sport's most prestigious events is tailor made for his skill set. We wish Jay the very best in his new role at the PGA TOUR and look forward to following his career in the years that lie ahead."

A native of Belmont, Monahan's professional experience includes roles as director of global sponsorships and branding programs at EMC Corporation, account supervisor at Arnold Advertising and director of athlete marketing and event marketing at Bob Woolf Associates.

Monahan earned a bachelor of arts in history from Trinity College in 1993, where he was a four-year member of the golf team and a Division II Academic All-American his senior year. He earned a masters of science in sport management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1995.

Monahan and his wife, Susan, will relocate from Massachusetts to the Jacksonville area with their two daughters, Sophie and Phoebe, in August.

Monahan replaces Ron Cross, who recently left the PGA TOUR to assume the role of director of corporate affairs for Augusta National Golf Club.