Jay Monahan’s time as PGA Tour commissioner is coming to an end. Monahan announced Tuesday that he will step down once his contract ends in 2026, with newly hired Brian Rolapp taking over as Monahan’s successor.
Monahan made the announcement in a statement, saying he told the PGA Tour Enterprises boards last year that he would step down in 2026. He called Rolapp, whose hiring was announced Tuesday, the “perfect choice” for the job.
“Brian is the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA TOUR,” Monahan added. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the TOUR’s continued evolution. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we’ve established with our players and fans, I’m more confident than ever in the future we’re building.”
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Rolapp joins the PGA Tour after two decades with the NFL. News that Rolapp was leaving the NFL for the PGA Tour broke Thursday, though the PGA Tour didn’t confirm the hiring until Tuesday’s statement. Rolapp has reportedly been a target of the PGA Tour for quite some time, per the Sports Business Journal. He was considered a possible successor to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had Rolapp remained with the league.
As part of Tuesday’s news, Rolapp wrote an open letter to fans, telling them he was “honored” to step into the role of CEO for the PGA Tour. He explained that he intends to honor golf’s traditions, but will “not be overly bound by them.”
By the time his contract ends in 2026, Monahan will have served for nearly a decade as the PGA Tour commissioner. He took over that role from Tim Finchem in 2017.
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Monahan was one of many big names to sit on the PGA Tour CEO search committee. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, as well as golfers Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, were involved in the hiring process.
Woods spoke highly of Rolapp in Tuesday’s statement, calling his hiring a “win for players and fans.”
“Brian’s appointment is a win for players and fans,” said Woods. “He has a clear respect for the game and our players and brings a fresh perspective from his experience in the NFL. I’m excited about what’s ahead — and confident that with Brian’s leadership, we’ll continue to grow the TOUR in ways that benefit everyone who loves this sport.”
