The tour said in a statement Tuesday that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will resign at the end of his 2026 contract and will transition his daily responsibilities to run the tour to new CEO Brian Rolapp.
The PGA Tour said in a press release that Monahan will focus on his role as a member of the board of PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises for the rest of his tenure.
“I informed our board of directors a year ago that after ten years as commissioner, I will resign at the end of 2026,” Monaghan said in a statement. “Since then, we have worked together to identify a leader that can build on our dynamics and develop a process that ensures a transition. We have found the right leader for Brian Rolapp, and I am very happy to support him as he transitions from the NFL to his new role to lead the PGA Tour.”
The trip announced the recruitment for Rolapp on Tuesday. Last week, ESPN reported that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to team executives and the president and informed them of the departure of the Rolapp.
Rolapp will serve as CEO of PGA Tour and PGA Tourprises, the for-profit entities of the tour. The Tour said its management team will report to Rolapp, while he will report to the board of directors of PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises.
Rollap will start his new role later this summer, the tour said.
“I am honored to be part of the PGA Tour at such a critical time,” Rollapp said in a statement. “The PGA Tour represents the highest level of competition, integrity and global opportunity in golf games, and I am convinced of the mission of the Tour and its potential for growth. I am ready to work with our players, partners and leadership teams to build lasting value and bring a more dynamic future to the sport and our fans.”
Rolapp served as the NFL’s chief media and business official and was the chief architect of league media and business scripts during the outbreak of league growth.
Rolapp met with players for an hour before the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, providing a wide view of the tour.
“Everything that works in the football world may not work in the golf world,” Rollap said. “Especially in this case, I think fans are very clear. They want to see the best golfers compete with each other. I agree. … What I’m going to say is that my focus is on the growth tour, making the game better and really getting rid of its power position.”
“Brian is ideal for the next chapter of the PGA Tour,” Monaghan added. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the ongoing development of the tour. Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we build with players and fans, I will be more confident in the future than ever before.”
PGA Tour said that among other roles, Rolapp is responsible for the NFL’s broadcast and digital copyright, NFL network, NFL movies, sponsorships, consumer products and private investment entities in the league. Under Rolapp, the NFL has secured deals with ESPN/ABC, Amazon, CBS, FOX, NBC, Netflix and YouTube, and the league reportedly earns more than $10 billion per season.
“Brian’s appointment is a victory for players and fans,” PGA Tour Director Tiger Woods said in a statement. “He has obvious respect for the game and our players and brings a new perspective from his experience in the NFL. I’m excited about what’s going on – and confident in Brian’s leadership, and we will continue to make the tour grow for everyone who loves the sport.”
Woods flew to Connecticut for players meetings and presentations of the Rolapp. Although he didn’t have boots while walking, he went out a year after his ruptured Achilles tendon ruptured.
Woods and Adam Scott are two players on the board, joined by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Bland, PGA Tour Board Chairman Joe Gorder and Strategion Sports Group’s Sam Kennedy.
Lucas Glover said Rolapp told players that he had a lot to learn and that there was no answer to all the new jobs that would start sometime this summer.
“He seemed to be giving his all, and he was convinced to move forward,” Glover said.
As for Monahan leaving, Glover said: “Whatever they want. I have to grab my grip and keep moving forward. I think we all learned the time now.”
The PGA Tour has been looking for CEO since December; NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps, Taylormade Golf CEO David Abeles and others are also linked to the position.
Monahan replaced Tim Finchem as PGA Tour Commissioner in January 2017, becoming the fourth person to hold the position. He was severely criticized by the tour’s golfers and others when the tour reached a secret framework agreement in June 2023 to form a alliance with Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund and the DP World Tour.
PIF has provided funding to rival LIV Golf League over the past four years. It attracted several PGA Tour stars, including past major champions Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm, and guaranteed a contract value of over $100 million.
The two sides have been trying to negotiate a deal since the expiration at the end of 2023; they met at the White House for the last time in February.
“When it comes to the situation with LIV, I think it’s a complicated situation and maybe something I should know more about before speaking,” Rollap said.
Monahan helped the Tour reach a $3 billion deal with the Billionaire Sports Owners League Strategic Sports Group to invest in the tour’s for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises.
“Telecom Monaghan is an incredible leader and it’s an honor to know him throughout the interview,” Rollap said in a statement. “I’m so grateful for his commitment to the role that makes me successful and look forward to working with him throughout the transition.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
