The PGA Tour has a newly welcomed fresh face in the world of golf, this time not your expected addition in terms of athletic competition. Yet, it comes in the newly appointed CEO of the Tour in Brian Rolapp. Rolapp spent a good portion of his career as the widely known CEO of the National Football League, but his life has been surrounded around golf for quite some time. Dating back to high school days where according to sources, Rolapp worked at the Congressional Country Club where he was able to see lots of golf played. The widely qualified mind of such, has now implemented a new vision in terms of Tour stability. Rolapp with the help of many others will try and raise the already high competition, seen throughout different events and players.
Work From Ground Up
By all means this will be a new change in everyday responsibility for Rolapp, understanding the two different sports. Although the main objective of an overall company will stay the same, bring in viewership and high levels of competition throughout. Having spent time in the NFL has only opened up the eyes of Rolapp even more, to understanding the big picture of things.
“You sort of relentlessly focus on the game, getting the competition right,” Rolapp said. “Getting the highest level of competition is extremely important. That’s something we obsessed about at the NFL.”
With the intention of creating an even more appealing product in the Tour, Rolapp will need the help of established athletes. Many have taken the time to meet or reach out to the new CEO, with hopes of touching base and getting on one page. Having taken the time to hear from those considered the faces of the Tour today, gained the respect of those around for the better.
“I think he seems like a steal from the most successful sports organization in the world and someone who is on the path to becoming potentially (NFL) commissioner … to coming over and taking the PGA TOUR forward,” Jordan Spieth said. “I think he resonated a lot with some of the players about challenging some of the networks on how they’re showing the product, then being open and willing to adapt and change while maintaining the integrity of the game.”
For Better Or Worse?
As seen in statements made by those like Spieth and others, Rolapp has the backing of significant faces early on. Adding his already extensive knowledge gained while in the NFL, will be a plus in three key areas of the Tour according to Rolapp. Those being more focused on the game itself, finding the right fit in partnership, and constantly keeping innovation in the front of the Tours mind.
“People love the sport and they play the sport,” Rolapp said. “That’s unique. I think that translates to all sorts of opportunity in the long-term. You look at the strength and the television ratings that I see, that people love the PGA TOUR, they love the competition, especially when the best players are in the field. I think those are all strengths to build on.”
With the first official day of Rolapp in his CEO position having officially begun today, the clock is ticking on his first splash in a new lane.
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