LIV Golf Did PGA Tour A Favor, Says Exec

LIV Golf Did PGA Tour A Favor, Says Exec

Brian Rolapp, the CEO of the PGA Tour, believes that the LIV Golf tour actually helped the professional golf world. He recently shared his thoughts on The Pat McAfee Show, explaining how competition can make things better for everyone involved.

Rolapp, who previously worked in the NFL, sees similarities between LIV’s impact and how leagues like the AFL and USFL pushed the NFL to improve. “Competition can make it better,” he stated. “Whenever you get competition, you end up figuring out what you do well, what you don’t do well.” He believes LIV exposed areas where the PGA Tour could do better for fans, players, and TV partners.

Innovating for the Future

The PGA Tour is focused on making its product better and more engaging for fans. Rolapp emphasized a commitment to never standing still and always looking for ways to innovate. This means making sure the on-course product is competitive and that the rules are fair and can be changed if they improve the game.

“We’re spending most of our time with a group of players and some outside people trying to figure out how we make the PGA Tour product better,” Rolapp explained. He hinted that big changes are coming by June, which he expects will excite both golf fans and general sports fans as the sport continues to grow.

Player Ownership is Key

Rolapp highlighted a unique aspect of the PGA Tour: the players actually own a part of it. This differs from his NFL experience, where it was a more traditional owner-versus-player dynamic. “The people that I think most about are actually the players,” he said.

He has made it a priority to meet with as many PGA Tour members as possible, spending an hour to an hour and a half with many of them. “I’ve learned a ton,” Rolapp admitted, noting that the players are smart, driven, and have provided valuable advice. This player-centric approach is seen as a powerful way to ensure the Tour is aligned with its members’ goals.

Stars Shine, Competition Thrives

When asked about the importance of stars like Scottie Scheffler consistently being in contention, Rolapp agreed it helps. However, he also pointed out that the PGA Tour’s strength lies in its competitive balance, which is tighter than in many other professional sports.

“The difference between the number fifth ranked golfer in the world and the 50th is nothing. It’s razor thin,” he stated.

While Scheffler’s consistent performance is a remarkable athletic feat, Rolapp stressed that the Tour is full of great athletes and compelling stories that need better exposure. He referenced a recent playoff victory decided by just one stroke as proof that any player can win on any given Sunday.

Navigating Player Returns

The PGA Tour is also considering how players who previously joined LIV might return. Rolapp acknowledged reading the same headlines as everyone else and stated that they respect the existing contracts players have with LIV. For example, Brooks Koepka returned after making a phone call indicating he was out of his contract.

“We’re thinking about it. We’ll react when we have an opportunity to react,” Rolapp said. His main focus remains on making the PGA Tour better, and he is open to anything that achieves that goal.

“I’m interested in whatever makes the PGA Tour better. That’s what my job is,” he concluded.

The PGA Tour is gearing up for significant changes and aims to build on its strong foundation, with Rolapp optimistic about the future of professional golf.

The next major championship is the PGA Championship on May 14th.

Source: Brian Rolapp says LIV ‘did the professional golf world a FAVOR' ⁉️🤯 | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)