PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monaghan will step down at the end of his 2026 contract and will shift his daily responsibility to run the circuit to new CEO Brian Lolap, the tour said in a statement Tuesday.
In a news release, the PGA Tour said that Monaghan will focus on his role as a member of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprise Board during his other tenure.
“A year ago, when I finished as a 10-year commissioner, I informed the board that I would be resigning from my role at the end of 2026,” Monaghan said in a statement. “Since then, we have worked together to identify leaders who can build momentum and develop processes that ensure a smooth transition. We have found the right leader for Brian Lolap. We are excited to support him as we move from the NFL to a new role leading the PGA Tour.”
The tour announced the employment of Lolap on Tuesday. Last week, ESPN reported that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a note to team executives and the president to inform Lolap’s departure.
Rolapp will serve as CEO of CIRVET’s for-profit entities, PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises. On the tour, the management team said they would report to Rolapp and report to the boards of both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour companies.
On the tour, Rolapp said he will start his new role later this summer.
“We are honored to be on the PGA Tour at such a crucial time,” Lolap said in a statement. “The PGA Tour represents the highest level of competition, integrity and global opportunities in the game of golf and I deeply believe in the tour’s mission and the potential to be even stronger. I am ready to work with players, partners and leadership teams, and to bring an even more dynamic future for the sport and fans.”
Rolapp previously worked as the NFL chief media and business officer, but was the lead architect for the league’s media and business playbook at a time when the league’s growth exploded.
Lolap met up with players for an hour Tuesday morning ahead of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, providing a wide range of views for what the tour would benefit.
“Everything that works in the soccer world may not work in the golf world,” Rollup said. “I think the fans were pretty clear, especially when it comes to that situation. They want to see the best golfers competing against each other. I agree with that. …My focus is on growing the tour, improving it, and actually moving from the position of strength it has.”
“Brian is perfect for the next chapter on the PGA Tour,” added Monaghan. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the ongoing evolution of the tour. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we have established alongside our players and fans, we are confident that we are building in the future.”
Among other roles, Rolapp oversees the NFL broadcast and digital rights, NFL networks, NFL films, sponsorships, consumer products and private investment institutions for the league, the PGA Tour said. Under Rolapp’s leadership, NFL Securing Media reportedly has sold ESPN/ABC, Amazon, CBS, FOX, NBC, Netflix and YouTube, earning more than $10 billion per season.
“Brian’s appointment is a victory for the players and fans,” PGA Tour Director Tiger Woods said in a statement. “He gives us a clear respect for the game and our players and brings a new perspective from his experience in the NFL. I’m excited for what’s to come. With Brian’s leadership, I’m sure we will continue to grow the tour in a way that benefits everyone who loves the sport.”
Woods flew to Connecticut for a player meeting and an introduction to Lolap. He was walking without boots, but after breaking his Achilles tendon he has been out for a year.
Woods and Adam Scott are two players on the board, which were part of the search committee, joined by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, chairman of the PGA Tour Committee, Joe Goder and Strategic Sports Group Sam Kennedy.
Lucas Glover said Lolap said there was so much to learn from the players and that all the answers weren’t used to the job.
“He seems to be doing his best to grow the game and he’s pretty stubborn about moving forward,” Glover said.
Regarding Monaghan’s departure, Glover said:
The PGA Tour has been looking for a CEO since December. NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade golf CEO David Abeles were also linked to the positions.
Monaghan replaced Tim Finchem with PGA Tour Commissioner in January 2017, becoming the fourth to play the role. He was strongly criticized by tour golfers and others when the circuit secretly reached the framework agreement in June 2023, with an alliance between the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour.
PIF has funded rival LIV Golf Leagues for the past four years. He invited several PGA Tour stars, including past major champions Bryceson Deccanbaugh, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and John Lahm, to guarantee over $100 million contracts.
Since the framework agreement expired at the end of 2023, the side has been trying to negotiate a deal. They last met at the White House in February.
“As for the LIV situation, I think it’s a complicated situation that I think is probably something I should learn more before I talk about,” Rolapp said.
Monaghan helped the Tour reach a potential $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of billionaires sports team owners, and invested in PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit company on the circuit.
“Committee Monaghan is an incredible leader and it was an honor to be able to get to know him through the interview process,” Lollup said in a statement. “I am extremely grateful for his commitment to making me successful in that role and look forward to working with him through this transition.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
