Jay Monahan, who has led the PGA Tour through some of its most challenging and controversial years, has announced he’ll be stepping down as commissioner when his contract ends in 2026. The decision comes as the Tour makes a bold move by bringing in longtime NFL executive Brian Rolapp to take over as its first-ever CEO.
A Decade at the Helm
Monahan took over as commissioner back in 2017, just as golf was entering a new, unpredictable era. Over the years, he’s overseen major changes in the sport, but also found himself in the crosshairs of criticism—especially after the launch of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed rival league that threw the PGA Tour into a state of upheaval. His announcement to step down isn’t entirely surprising. According to sources close to the board, Monahan had signaled this move as far back as last year.
“It’s been a wild ride,” Monahan said in a statement. “But I’m confident we’ve found the right person to take the PGA Tour forward.”
Meet the New Boss: Brian Rolapp
That person is Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s former Chief Media and Business Officer, who now steps in as CEO of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises. Unlike Monahan, Rolapp won’t be the face of every press conference or rules debate—his role is more focused on the business side, managing operations, media deals, and future investments.
Rolapp isn’t coming in cold. He’s known for revolutionizing how fans watch the NFL—leading the league’s moves into digital streaming and launching NFL+. With the PGA Tour aiming to modernize its product and grow its audience, especially among younger viewers, his experience is expected to be a major asset.
“The players are at the heart of everything,” Rolapp said after his appointment. “But we’ve got to keep growing. Golf needs to evolve, and I’m excited to help lead that change.”
Big Decisions Ahead
This leadership shuffle isn’t happening in a vacuum. Earlier this year, the PGA Tour secured a massive $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group—a deal meant to give players equity in the Tour and inject new life into its business model.
Now, with Rolapp taking over the reins, all eyes are on how that money will be used. Sponsorships, global tournaments, streaming rights, and fan engagement are just a few of the areas he’ll be expected to overhaul.
One issue he’s not rushing into? LIV Golf. Rolapp has acknowledged that he still needs time to understand the full picture before deciding how to handle the PGA Tour’s relationship—or potential merger—with its controversial competitor.
What About Monahan?
While he’s stepping away from day-to-day operations, Monahan won’t be disappearing right away. He’ll stay on the board of both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises through the end of 2026 to help with the transition. In the meantime, Rolapp is expected to fully take over leadership responsibilities later this summer.
The transition has the backing of some of golf’s biggest names. Tiger Woods, who serves on the Enterprises board, said the decision to bring in Rolapp was unanimous.
“Brian has the experience and vision to help us move forward,” Woods said. “It’s a new chapter, and I’m excited about what’s next.”
What’s Next for the PGA Tour?
With Monahan’s exit now on the clock and Rolapp preparing to reshape how the Tour operates, the next 18 months will be critical. Golf’s future—both as a business and a sport—depends on how well this transition is managed.
If Rolapp succeeds, we could see the PGA Tour become more connected to fans, more innovative with its media, and more united in the face of outside challenges. If not, the fracture caused by LIV Golf and other forces may continue to deepen.
For now, it’s a watch-and-wait moment for the world of golf—but one filled with potential.
