Brian Rolapp was appointed as the new CEO of the PGA Tour earlier this week, marking a significant leadership change in the golf world. Rolapp, who has spent 20 years with the NFL, stepped into this role following Jay Monahan’s tenure. Scottie Scheffler, the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year and World No. 1 golfer, described the move as exciting but admitted he knows very little about Rolapp.
Speaking ahead of the Travelers Championship, Scheffler revealed that the event where Rolapp was introduced was the first time he had heard the new CEO speak publicly. Despite limited familiarity, Scheffler praised the NFL as a highly successful organization and expressed optimism that Rolapp’s experience might bring fresh ideas to the PGA Tour.
Regarding the announcement, Scheffler told ASAP Sports:
“I think it’s exciting to have some new leadership. I think Brian will bring some good energy. Literally the first time I heard him speak was yesterday, so I really don’t know much about him. I liked what I heard yesterday…” —Scottie Scheffler, PGA Tour Player of the Year
“I think our board and Jay (Monahan) and everybody put a lot of research into finding his successor, and to be able to get somebody from the NFL, especially somebody high up at the NFL, I think is pretty cool. The NFL is obviously a very successful organization. He’s got a lot of experience and some new thought processes he can bring to the Tour, and I think it’s exciting.” —Scottie Scheffler, PGA Tour Player of the Year
Scheffler Has Not Yet Met Brian Rolapp in Person
Despite the announcement, Scheffler revealed that he has not yet had an opportunity to meet Brian Rolapp face to face. The 28-year-old said he left the introduction meeting early and still lacks a formal introduction to the new CEO. His limited exposure to Rolapp means his understanding of the new leadership remains minimal.
When asked about the PGA Tour board’s decision to appoint a non-golfer as CEO, Scheffler responded candidly:
“I really have no idea. I didn’t even get to meet Brian yesterday. I had to leave the meeting a couple minutes early. It went a little longer than I thought it would, and I had to sneak out at the last second. So I didn’t even get a chance to meet him, let alone talk to anybody else about a new commissioner or anything like that.” —Scottie Scheffler, PGA Tour Player of the Year
Scheffler also noted that within the golf community, there has been no vocal opposition to Rolapp’s appointment. He mentioned that the absence of negative reactions suggests general acceptance and positivity toward the new CEO’s role in the Tour.
Industry Reaction to Rolapp’s Leadership and Expectations Ahead
Brian Rolapp’s selection was announced by members of the Strategic Sports Group, which includes golfing legend Tiger Woods. Woods, recovering from an Achilles injury, publicly praised the decision, highlighting Rolapp’s potential impact on the PGA Tour. The new CEO, in turn, recognized Woods for his influential role in growing the circuit.
Rolapp’s background in the NFL brings valuable executive experience to the world of professional golf, signaling possible new strategic directions for the Tour. His tenure will be closely watched by players, fans, and industry insiders as the organization navigates future challenges and opportunities.