In a significant leadership shake-up, the PGA Tour is welcoming a new face at the top. After more than a decade at the helm, Commissioner Jay Monahan is stepping aside from his day-to-day role next year and handing over the reins to Brian Rolapp, a top executive from the NFL.
A First in Tour History: The CEO Role is Born
Rolapp, who currently serves as the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer and is a key figure under Commissioner Roger Goodell, has been named CEO of the PGA Tour—a newly created position in the organization’s 60-year history.
In an open letter released Tuesday, Rolapp emphasized a player-first approach, writing:
“Players are central to everything we do, and making sure they are supported and heard will be a top priority.”
He also underlined his broader vision:
“We are going to keep challenging ourselves to grow the game in new ways, reach new fans, and create a tour that reflects the future of sports and entertainment.”
Monahan Takes a Step Back—But Not Away
Monahan had already hinted at the leadership transition back in December when he announced the search for a CEO. While the exact details of his future role had been unclear, the latest announcement confirms that he will remain on the PGA Tour’s policy board and also continue his work on the PGA Tour Enterprises commercial board through 2026.
Although he helped steer the Tour through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Monahan’s leadership has come under scrutiny, particularly in how he handled the emergence of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed rival league.
The LIV Golf Shake-Up and the Turning Point
Launched in June 2022, LIV Golf disrupted the professional golf landscape by attracting top talent such as Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau, offering lucrative deals funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Initially, Monahan refused to engage with PIF when it expressed interest in investing in the sport. However, in a surprising twist, he and board members Jimmy Dunne and Ed Herlihy met with Saudi officials in secret and struck a deal in May 2023 aimed at reuniting the fractured golf world. The move stunned and angered many PGA Tour players who had remained loyal to the Tour.
As Rolapp prepares to take over and reshape the future of professional golf, the question remains—can he rebuild trust and unify a sport still reeling from division? Only time will tell.
Discussion about this post