CROMWELL, Conn. — Jay Monahan’s plan was to leave as PGA Tour commissioner at the end of the year, and now it’s official. Along with approving a new competition model that starts in 2028, the PGA Tour boards elected CEO Brian Rolapp as the next commissioner.
Rolapp was the first CEO in PGA Tour history when he was hired a year ago, and next year he will be the first to hold both titles.
Monahan’s future was always murky after he lost the trust of players for the surprise deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf in June 2023. An agreement for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia to become a minority investor never happen, though the agreement ended all anti-trust litigation.
He was on the search committee that hired Rolapp as CEO. Monahan has been somewhat of a golf whisperer to bring Rolapp, a longtime NFL executive, up to speed.
“This transition from Jay to Brian has been a textbook transition,” said Joe Gorder, the former Valero executive who is chairman of the PGA Tour boards. “Jay has done an incredible job supporting Brian, providing his wisdom and counsel to Brian, and being there every step of the way.
“The fact that these two have worked so well and collaborated so well really gives the board total confidence in this decision that we’ve made for Brian to take the role as commissioner, also.”
Monahan has not said what he plans to do when he steps down at the end of the year. He expressed confidence in the direction the PGA Tour is going.
“Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work very closely with Brian,” Monahan said. “What has impressed me most is not only his strategic vision ... but also the way he listens, the way he builds trust, and the way he brings people together.
“He also has a remarkable ability to balance innovation with respect for our traditions in this game, while keeping our players, fans and partners at the center of every decision.”
