Golf’s elite PGA Tour has finally confirmed the identity of its first-ever chief executive (CEO) in experienced sports executive Brian Rolapp, and confirmed the 2026 departure of its commissioner, Jay Monahan.
Rolapp joins the PGA Tour from American football’s National Football League (NFL), where he spent more than 20 years, and in 2017 became the chief media and business officer.
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Monahan, announced the CEO search in late 2024, during an end-of-year message posted on the tour’s social media accounts, stating: “We’re bringing new perspectives onto our team to help us realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport, including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour.
“We can learn so much from across the world of sport and entertainment, and I’m excited to meet candidates for this important new role.”
Monahan himself was part of the committee that appointed Rolapp, and on the move, the PGA Tour commissioner said: “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.”
The committee, which also included golf legend Tiger Woods and US businessman Arthur M. Blank (a member of the PGA Tour Enterprises commercial body) among others, recommended Rolapp for the role unanimously.
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By GlobalDataPGA Tour policy board and enterprise board chair Jay Gorder, another member of that committee, continued: “This appointment reflects the unity and strategic alignment across our governance structure—from our Player Directors and Independent Board Members to our investors in the Strategic Sports Group and the Commissioner.
“Brian’s leadership will help us move forward with clarity, purpose, and momentum.”
Monahan also confirmed that he will depart from his commissioner role in 2026 once his contract expires, and until that point he will focus on his duties on the PGA Tour policy board and the PGA Tour enterprises board, as the day-to-day operation of the tour shifts to Rolapp.
There had been calls for Monahan to resign altogether in 2023 amid the fallout of the announcement of a shock deal with the breakaway LIV Golf tour to effectively merge.
Over a two years later, that deal is still yet to be completed, and it is possible that Monahan will exit the tour without seeing it completed.
It has been reported that around 90% of the players involved were against the merger and that multiple players called for Monahan to resign. Grievances raised are said to have included a lack of transparency around the deal, the perceived betrayal by the tour of players who had remained loyal to it, and the remaining questions about LIV as a sportswashing vehicle.
On his coming departure, Monahan added:“ 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.
“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.”
Monahan has been the PGA Tour commissioner since 2017, and is only the fourth in the role since the tour’s establishment.
