The chief executive of the PGA Tour has made his first big move in the role by hiring two former NFL executives.
Brian Rolapp announced on Friday the additions of Dhruv Prasad and Paul Hicks to the PGA Tour’s leadership team.
In a statement released by the Tour, Rolapp said during his first 90 days in the role he had identified opportunities to “accelerate growth”.
“Dhruv and Paul bring specific experience that will complement our existing team,” Rolapp said.
Rolapp was announced as the PGA Tour’s new CEO in June after spending 20 years with the NFL.
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Current PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will step down after nine years at the helm when his contract expires at the end of 2026.
Monahan’s last few years as commissioner have been dominated by the disruption caused by the PIF-backed LIV Golf.
He was a vocal critic of the breakaway when it launched in June 2022 and was even accused of trying to emotionally blackmail golfers thinking of decamping to LIV.
Major champions Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Patrick Reed and a host of ageing European Ryder Cup stars were among to the first to join for vast sums of money.
To players thinking of joining them, Monahan previously asked: “When was the last time you had to apologise for being a member of the PGA Tour?”
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He was referencing Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses and allegations of sportswashing.
Monahan then drew further ire after playing a key role in the secretive negotiations that led to an agreement to form a partnership with LIV’s backers.
He apologised and vowed to make amends but there is no denying he lost the trust of several high-profile figures.
Chief among them is Tiger Woods, who played a key role in Rolapp’s hiring.
Rolapp is the Tour’s first chief executive and has gradually been taking over Monahan’s day-to-day responsibilities.
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“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.”
Masters champion Rory McIlroy also praised the fresh perspective Rolapp will bring.
He’s certainly said all the right things and he has an amazing background with two decades in the NFL,” McIlroy said.
“He’s helped them expand internationally and help them become the behemoth they have become.
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“For him to bring that experience, I think it will be amazing and it’s great that Jay is there to help with the smooth transition.”
Who is Dhruv Prasad?
Prasad has spent more than two decades working as an entrepreneur and operating executive in the media entertaining industry across sports, live events, broadcast, digital media and music.
Most recently, he served as the senior vice president of business development and strategic investments at the NFL.
Who is Paul Hicks?
Hicks, the PGA Tour say, will report directly to Rolapp and oversee the circuit’s communications strategy.
He has spent the past decade working as a partner at FGS Global, a stakeholder strategy firm.
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Hicks was also the executive vice president of communications and public affairs at the NFL.
He is also a golfer, tournament volunteer, a caddie and fan of the sport.
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