Tiger Woods Breaks Silence on New PGA Tour CEO

Golf’s world legend, Tiger Woods, has not only been the face of the sport but over time has also taken over critical decision-making roles when it comes to the PGA Tour.

As a player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, the 15-time major winner has taken on a more active governance role in recent years, joining fellow board members Adam Scott, Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson, and others.

Though he has been MIA from professional golf, he has never let his presence go unseen, and something similar happened as the PGA Tour announced its new boss.

Tiger Woods sends clear message to new PGA Tour CEO

On Tuesday morning, Woods made a rare non-playing appearance at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, for the official announcement of Brian Rolapp as the PGA Tour’s new Chief Executive Officer.

While Woods wasn’t there to tee it up at the Travelers Championship, his presence alongside Tour leadership sent a clear message – this hire has his full backing.

Rolapp, a Harvard Business School graduate, spent 22 years at the NFL, most recently as Chief Media and Business Officer, where he helped negotiate over $110 billion in media rights deals and launched digital platforms like NFL+.

Now, he steps into golf’s top executive role at a time when the Tour is navigating fractured relations with LIV Golf and a shifting commercial landscape.

“I’m honored to join the PGA TOUR at such a pivotal time,” Rolapp said during the pre-tournament press conference.

“The PGA TOUR represents the highest level of competition, integrity, and global opportunity in the game of golf, and I believe deeply in the TOUR’s mission and its potential to grow even stronger.”

Woods echoed that optimism in a post on X later that morning:

“Congrats to Brian on becoming CEO of the PGA TOUR. I’m excited about where the TOUR is headed. And a big thank you to Jay for everything he’s done for our game and for the players and fans.”

Rolapp’s appointment follows a unanimous vote by the CEO Search Committee, which included Woods, Scott, Arthur M. Blank, Joe Gorder, and Sam Kennedy.

He will serve as CEO of both PGA TOUR, Inc. and PGA TOUR Enterprises, reporting to both Boards of Directors, while Jay Monahan remains Commissioner through 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.

Monahan himself called Rolapp “the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA TOUR,” adding, “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the TOUR’s continued evolution.”

Rolapp, for his part, acknowledged Woods’ influence during the process, calling his involvement “significant” and praising his dedication to the next generation of players.

With the Big Cat’s endorsement and Rolapp’s business strategies for the PGA Tour is clearly betting on a new era.

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