During the week of the US Open, a lot is happening at the most controversial course on the Tour. Bryson DeChambeau is struggling on the field, and so is Rory McIlroy. However, on the business side of things, there is a shakeup happening. There are talks about PGA Tour Enterprises getting a new CEO. Who is the new CEO? NFL executive Brian Rolapp.
Who Is Brian Rolapp?
Brian Rolapp has been with the NFL since 2003, where he started as the director of finance. In 2005, he was promoted to vice president of media strategy until 2007, when he was promoted to senior vice president. Rolapp has been the EVP of the NFL Network since 2014. Sure, he hasn’t been an executive for golf, but he has plenty of experience to bring to the PGA. He has been previously confirmed to be the PGA’s top choice on its hunt for a new CEO.
Rolapp was theorized to be taking over as commissioner of the NFL. The NFL’s current commissioner, Roger Goodell, has confirmed Rolapp’s departure in a statement reported by Sports Business Journal.
“We have spent some time planning for this change and are confident we will successfully manage the responsibilities while we align our structure to meet our long-term strategic goals,” Goodell wrote
PGA Tour Enterprises
PGA Tour Enterprises is a financial initiative for players in the league to keep them motivated as a response to LIV Golf. It is separate from the main part of the PGA Tour and is a for-profit arm of the league, as opposed to the rest being non-profit. It gives players a chance to own equity in the PGA and for them to add more value by playing harder. There are a few players on the board for the enterprise, including Tiger Woods. There were plans for the PIF to have a seat on the board as part of the merger, but with that stalling, that position has never been filled. This is the organization that Brian Rolapp is going to be the head of.
What Does Rolapp Mean For Monahan?
Jay Monahan has been planning to step down as commissioner for some time now. Monahan has had to temporarily step back from his role in 2023, citing stress as a primary reason. Then, back in December, Monahan announced that the circuit was looking for a new CEO, and until now, there haven’t been many updates. Rolapp will also not be replacing Monahan; strangely enough, he will be working directly under him. Monahan, meanwhile, will still keep his position for the time being.
Rolapp On The PGA Tour
The PGA has yet to comment on Rolapp’s new position. It is theorized that the league is waiting until after the US Open to make an official announcement. Rolapp will most likely have his skill put into making broadcast deals, which are up for renewal in 2031. He has been at the top of the list and has been considered for CEO. As to how well Rolapp will adapt to the PGA Tour is yet to be seen. More answers will be given once the PGA comments on this matter.
Main Photo Credit: © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
