The PGA Tour has a new CEO – so is this the end of Jay Monahan?

With a new PGA Tour CEO incoming, the sitting commissioner Jay Monahan’s future is the subject of scrutiny. This is what we know so far…

The PGA Tour is has hired a new CEO to lead the American circuit at what remains an interesting time for the men’s game.

The Tour has been searching for a new CEO since December but have now landed their man, with Brian Rolapp agreeing to take the reins.

A PGA Tour statement read: “After an extensive process, the PGA Tour CEO Search Committee –consisting of Arthur M. Blank, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Jay Monahan, Joe Gorder and Sam Kennedy –unanimously recommended Rolapp for the role. Rolapp is a seasoned sports and media executive who has the specific skill set necessary to build on the Tour’s momentum – experience scaling sports businesses in a fast-changing landscape and a clear appreciation for what makes the Tour special and where it can go next. Rolapp will officially begin his new role later this summer.”

Rolapp added: “I’m honored to join the PGA Tour at such a pivotal time. The PGA Tour represents the highest level of competition, integrity and global opportunity in the game of golf, and I believe deeply in the Tour’s mission and its potential to grow even stronger. I’m ready to get to work – alongside our players, partners and leadership team – to build lasting value and deliver an even more dynamic future for the sport and our fans.”

Who is new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp?

Rolapp has been with the NFL for 22 years and played a major part in the league’s growth during that time in various roles. 

After being appointed as an executive in 2003, he rose through the ranks to become NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s right-hand man.

He worked wonders in his role as the chief media and business officer, securing incredibly lucrative TV deald and helping the NFL become the behemoth it is today.

Rolapp also worked as the chief operating officer and senior vice president of media strategy and digital media during his time with the league. 

He was and still is the favourite to replace Goodell as NFL commissioner when the 66-year-old decides to step away but not before a stint at the helm of the PGA Tour. 

Rolapp stays out of the limelight both professionally and personally, but it appears the PGA Tour have made a shrewd acquisition.

Is this the end of Jay Monahan?

With the impending arrival of Rolapp, what does the future hold for the tour’s commissioner Jay Monahan?

The PGA Tour statement noted: “Having formed the Search Committee to find his successor, Commissioner Jay Monahan will transition his day-to-day responsibilities to the new CEO and increasingly focus on his role as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board through the end of 2026.”

Monahan wrote: “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,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Since then, we’ve worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition. We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him as he transitions from the NFL into his new role leading the PGA Tour.”

On Rolapp, he added: “Brian is the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA Tour. His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the Tour’s continued evolution. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we’ve established with our players and fans, I’m more confident than ever in the future we’re building.”

Rolapp said: “Commissioner Monahan is an incredible leader, and it has been a pleasure getting to know him throughout the interview process. I greatly appreciate his commitment to making me successful in the role and look forward to working with him in partnership throughout this transition.”

Monahan took over as commissioner from Tim Finchem in 2017 and has overseen one of the most turbulent periods in the PGA Tour’s history.

Saudi Arabia’s interest in the game spawned the arrival of LIV Golf in 2022, which lured some of the biggest stars away from the PGA Tour with mega-money contracts.

Monahan chose to ignore the early Saudi advances prior to the inception of the new league before taking the moral high ground in the war of words that ensued.

However, he would then agree a secret framework agreement in June 2023, with the view to coming to a deal to work with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour.

That move drew the ire of several PGA Tour players, many of whom turned down significant offers to go to LIV. 

A deal between the traditional tours and LIV Golf bosses has yet to be reached, though, so it will be interesting to see how Rolapp handles that situation.

The statement concluded that “as CEO, Rolapp will lead the PGA Tour into its next phase of growth and innovation, serving as the CEO of PGA Tour, Inc. and PGA Tour Enterprises. The PGA Tour management team will report to Rolapp upon his start date, and he will report to both Boards of Directors.”

• Which players have made the most money on the PGA Tour without a win?

• Only 22 golfers have made the cut in all three men’s golf’s majors in 2025… how many can you name?