Report suggests Jay Monahan may vacate PGA Tour position by year's end.
In a June shake-up, golf fans witnessed the impending appointment of NFL exec Brian Rolapp as CEO of the PGA Tour. This move came half a year after Commissioner Jay Monahan declared the role's creation to seize upcoming opportunities for the sport, as per his year-end message.
But this isn't the only change brewing in the PGA Tour. According to Golf.com's James Colgan, Monahan might be saying his farewell sooner than expected, with his commissioner gig reportedly nearing its conclusion following Rolapp's expected appointment. He could depart as early as the end of this year, or hang on till the end of 2026. Colgan spilled the beans that Monahan's commissioner post could be "sunset" after a transition period with Rolapp.
Monahan stepped into the commissioner role on Jan 1, 2017, replacing Tim Finchem. His tenure has been a rollercoaster, especially with the emergence of LIV Golf, which the PGA Tour initially opposed. Negotiations with LIV's backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, initially announced on June 6, 2023, put a halt to the heated rivalry that had been simmering for over a year. Yet, two years on, an agreement remains elusive.
Monahan faced criticism for the way he handled the LIV Golf negotiations. PGA Tour pros were oblivious to the ongoing talks until they were made public. Soon after, Monahan took a medical leave before returning to work a month later.
Under Monahan's leadership, the PGA Tour underwent several changes in the wake of LIV Golf's emergence, including the introduction of limited-field signature events, most of which are no-cut contests. This move attracted criticism from some players who felt these tournaments favored the top-tier players over those lower down the rankings.
On the positive side, Monahan's leadership was celebrated for navigating the PGA Tour's return during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also secured lucrative new media deals with CBS, NBC, and ESPN and brokered an investment deal with the Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of wealthy sports team owners, in January 2024.
Connecticut-based Rolapp, who joined the NFL in 2003, is leaving his role as executive vice chairman and chief media and business officer to pursue new opportunities, as confirmed by commissioner Roger Goodell.
As for Monahan's Commissioner role, it's uncertain whether it will continue in its current form after his departure. However, there are hints that the tour might maintain a Commissioner in a more ceremonial capacity, allowing Rolapp to handle the majority of business operations[1][4]. Monahan played a key role in the search committee that unanimously recommended Rolapp for the CEO position, ensuring a streamlined transition[1][4].
[1]: Enrichment Data Source 1[4]: Enrichment Data Source 4
Sports enthusiasts are keenly waiting for updates on the PGA Tour, as the impending departure of Commissioner Jay Monahan could reshape the future of golf. In light of the appointment of NFL exec Brian Rolapp as CEO, golf news around the sports world is buzzing about the potential changes and the impact Rolapp might have moving forward.
