rolapp

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy will return to the Travelers Championship after skipping the 2024 event to “lick my wounds” after just missing out on the US Open at Pinehurst.

McIlroy arrives in Connecticut off the back off a difficult week at this year’s major at Oakmont, where he was visibly frustrated by his game as he narrowly made the cut and told reporters he had earned the right “to do what I want” after skipping media sessions.

After the tournament he admitted he had climbed his “Everest” by completing a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April and he was looking forward to scaling “another mountain”.

“The weeks after major championships, sometimes when you’re in contention and trying to win them it can feel quite difficult to go and play the next week,” the 36-year-old said.

“But after a week like I had at Oakmont, where you aren’t quite in the mix but you think you might have found something in your game, you are excited to play again.

“This is the perfect chaser from last week and it’s nice to get out on a golf course where you feel like you can make quite a few brides.”

When asked if one particular shot at the US Open had made him feel more positive about his game, McIlroy said consistency was key and pointed to the fact he made the most shots off the tee in the field at Oakmont.

“f I can see something, or have a feeling, that is very repeatable – on the range is one thing but on the course is another – the proof is in the pudding,” he added.

“Last week I felt I found a feeling, especially off the tee that was repeatable and working well.

“I led strokes off the tee last week which was a big thing for me. I thought I drove the ball well all week.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will step down after nine years in the role when his contract ends in 2026.

Brian Rolapp has been appointed as the tour’s first chief executive and will gradually take over Monahan’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Rolapp has spent more than 20 years with the National Football League (NFL), most recently as chief media and business officer.

“A year ago, I informed our boards that upon completing a decade as commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026,” Monahan said.

“Since then, we’ve worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition.

“We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him as he transitions from the NFL into his new role leading the PGA Tour.”

Monahan’s last few years as commissioner have been dominated by the ructions in golf caused by the rise of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

The 55-year-old was a vocal critic of LIV, but then played a key role in the negotiations that led to an agreement to form a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV.

The secretive nature of the talks with LIV angered a number of players.

Negotiations aimed at a final agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV are ongoing, and Rolapp is hoping to unify the sport.

“I think the fans have been pretty clear,” Rolapp said. “They want to see the best golfers competing against each other. I agree with that.

“When it comes to the situation with LIV, I think that’s a complex situation that’s probably something I should learn more about before I speak.

“But I will say my focus is on growing the tour, making it better, and really moving on from the position of strength that it has.”

Tiger Woods was part of the PGA Tour CEO search committee which unanimously recommended Rolapp for the role.

“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.”

Longtime NFL executive Brian Rolapp has been introduced as the PGA Tour’s first chief executive officer.

While news of that move had leaked last week, another tidbit emerged on Tuesday from the official announcement, as the tour revealed that Commissioner Jay Monahan will step down at the end of next year after transferring his day-to-day responsibilities to Rolapp.

“A year ago, I informed our Boards that upon completing a decade as Commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026,” Monahan said in a statement released by the PGA Tour. “Since then, we’ve worked together to identify a leader who can build on our momentum and develop a process that ensures a smooth transition. We’ve found exactly the right leader in Brian Rolapp, and I’m excited to support him as he transitions from the NFL into his new role leading the PGA TOUR.”

Monahan, who was named the organization’s fourth commissioner in January 2017, will shift his focus to his roles on the Tour’s policy and enterprises boards during the remainder of his time with the group.

“Commissioner Monahan is an incredible leader, and it has been a pleasure getting to know him throughout the interview process,” Rolapp said in the PGA Tour’s statement. “I greatly appreciate his commitment to making me successful in the role and look forward to working with him in partnership throughout this transition.”

Rolapp has been with the NFL since 2003, most recently serving as its chief media and business officer. Multiple media outlets reported last week that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had sent out a company memo regarding Rolapp’s upcoming departure.

“Brian’s appointment is a win for players and fans,” 15-time major championship winner Tiger Woods, a member of the Tour’s search committee that unanimously recommended Rolapp for the job, said in the same statement.“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.”