Rory McIlroy has lost one of his strongest supporters on the PGA Tour as commissioner Jay Monahan prepares to step down from his role. In a surprising move, the PGA Tour announced that Monahan will transition out of his position by the end of 2026. His departure marks a major shift in leadership, especially for McIlroy, who has stood by Monahan through some of the most turbulent times in golf.
The PGA Tour also confirmed that Brian Rolapp, a top executive from the NFL, will take over as its first-ever CEO. He’ll begin handling the day-to-day operations later this summer. This move is part of a broader plan to reshape the PGA Tour’s structure and business strategy as it continues discussions with the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) and navigates its rivalry with LIV Golf.
For years, McIlroy has been one of Monahan’s loudest backers. Even when other players were critical of Monahan’s decisions—especially around the handling of LIV Golf—McIlroy often defended the commissioner publicly. Earlier this year, Monahan supported McIlroy’s decision to skip certain signature events, praising his long-term commitment to the tour.
Now, with Monahan stepping away, McIlroy is losing an important voice behind the scenes. The timing is especially notable, as McIlroy has recently shown signs of frustration. At recent events, including the U.S. Open, he appeared tense and even emotional, leading some to wonder how much of that pressure is connected to what’s happening off the course.
As the PGA Tour enters a new phase under Rolapp’s leadership, McIlroy faces uncertainty. He’s still one of the tour’s biggest stars and most vocal players, but with a new CEO coming in and his long-time ally leaving, it’s clear that change is coming.
What that means for McIlroy’s role and influence on the PGA Tour remains to be seen.
