PGA Tour: Monahan Stepping Down, Rolapp to Lead in 2026
Breaking news from the PGA Tour! Jay Monahan will step down as commissioner in 2026, marking a critically important shift for the institution. Brian Rolapp, formerly of the NFL, is set to take the reins as the new CEO, promising a fresh approach to growing the sport and uniting top golfers. This transition comes amid ongoing challenges and negotiations with rival leagues, including the LIV Golf League. Sources say Rolapp aims to build on the PGA Tour’s strengths, emphasizing player engagement and a commitment to the future. Check out News Directory 3 for live updates,including player reactions. Discover what’s next for the primary_keyword and the secondary_keyword, in the competitive world of professional golf, and what changes Rolapp’s leadership will bring.
PGA Tour Names Rolapp CEO as Monahan Plans 2026 Exit
Updated June 17,2025
Jay Monahan will step down as PGA Tour commissioner at the end of his contract in 2026,the tour announced Tuesday. Brian Rolapp, formerly a top executive with the NFL, will take over day-to-day operations as the new CEO.
Monahan, who became commissioner in 2017, will focus on his role as a board member for both the PGA Tour and PGA tour Enterprises. He saeid he informed the boards a year ago of his intention to leave the commissioner role after a decade.
“We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him,” Monahan said in a statement.
Rolapp’s hiring comes after a search that included candidates such as NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade Golf CEO David Abeles. Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell alerted team executives to Rolapp’s departure.
Rolapp, who will begin his new role this summer, addressed players Tuesday at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn. He emphasized his focus on growing the tour and uniting top golfers.
“I will say my focus is on growing the tour, making it better, and really moving on from the position of strength that it has,” Rolapp said.
Tiger Woods, who is out for the year with an Achilles injury, attended the meeting. He and adam Scott were the player representatives on the search committee, along with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, PGA Tour board chairman Joe Gorder, and Sam Kennedy from Strategic Sports Group.
“Brian’s appointment is a win for players and fans,” Woods said in a statement.”He has a clear respect for the game and our players and brings a fresh perspective from his experience in the NFL.”
Lucas Glover said Rolapp acknowledged he has much to learn. “He seems to be all in on growing the game, and he’s pretty adamant about going forward,” Glover said.
Monahan’s tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly his handling of the proposed alliance with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the DP World Tour. The PIF has financed the rival LIV Golf League, wich lured away stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm.
Negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF have been ongoing as the framework agreement expired at the end of 2023.
What’s next
Rolapp’s arrival signals a new chapter for the PGA Tour, with a focus on growth and unity amid ongoing challenges from rival leagues. The tour aims to finalize a deal with the PIF while solidifying its position as the premier destination for professional golfers.