Brian Rolapp Appointed as First CEO of PGA Tour
The PGA Tour has officially appointed Brian Rolapp as its first CEO, announced on Tuesday. Rolapp, previously an executive vice president in the NFL, will oversee both the Tour’s for-profit division and its non-profit competitive entity.
His appointment was approved by the circuit’s policy board at the Travelers Championship on Monday. Rolapp will take over from commissioner Jay Monahan, who formed the search committee for this position. Monahan will continue to serve on the policy board until the end of his contract in 2026.
Rolapp, aged 53, is set to manage the Tour’s daily operations starting later this summer. In a statement, Monahan mentioned, “A year ago, I informed our boards that upon completing a decade as commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026. We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him during this transition.”
Players were informed of Rolapp’s new role at a meeting on Tuesday at TPC River Highlands. He will report to the policy boards for both PGA Tour Enterprises and the PGA Tour.
Since joining the NFL in 2003, Rolapp has been pivotal in shaping the league’s media and business strategies, especially amid its remarkable growth and streaming transition. Expressing his eagerness, Rolapp stated, “I’m honored to join the PGA Tour at such a pivotal time, ready to work alongside players, partners, and our leadership team.”
Monahan has faced scrutiny from players and fans since a private agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund emerged in June 2023. Ongoing negotiations with the PIF seem to have stalled, particularly regarding unification with LIV Golf, which is also funded by the PIF.
The search committee that chose Rolapp included Monahan, players Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, and Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons. In an open letter, Rolapp emphasized his commitment to respecting golf’s traditions while also adapting to the evolving landscape. He highlighted the importance of supporting players and intended to engage with fans and partners to further the PGA Tour’s growth.
