Latest news with #JayMonahan
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Schupak: PGA Tour considers taking Tour Championship on the road, a home run of an idea
When PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said last year during a State of the PGA Tour press conference that everything's on the table, the idea of moving the Tour Championship – and the FedEx Cup Playoffs sites in general – is one that caught the fancy of several Tour players. 'It's been discussed,' Adam Scott, a player director on the PGA Tour policy board, said. 'We've questioned everything at some point. I couldn't tell you contractually how long we're tied to there, but East Lake is where it's at.' But that doesn't mean it needs to stay there – though there apparently is the prickly issue of former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem granting East Lake as the permanent site in perpetuity, according to someone in the know. East Lake ties for No. 4 on Golfweek's Best list of the top private courses in Georgia and ties for No. 85 among all classic courses in the U.S. It has been the permanent site of the Tour Championship since 2005. The investors at SSG, who have poured $1.5 billion into the Tour, know that the Tour Championship has untapped potential. While the USGA has played amateur championships at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and The Olympic Club and has Cypress Point Club on deck for the Walker Cup – where primetime TV, cool climes and nary a thunderstorm are concerns – the Tour's three legs of the playoffs have visited Memphis, Baltimore and Atlanta, all three first-team All-Swamp sites and at courses that lose at least 5 and 4 to the USGA's rota. The Tour can do better, and as part of its much-vaunted Fan Forward surveys, they have heard it from the people they say matter most. Peter Malnati, another Tour policy board player director, has never qualified for the Tour Championship, but he understands the argument for moving the Tour Championship from a fan perspective. 'I don't hear fans say it is an exciting golf course to watch golf. I know it does a lot for the community and that's very important, but I think it would be cool for our biggest trophy to be given away at a course that really excites fans,' Malnati said. 'But there is a lot of things that have to be done in the right way to make that happen. I think East Lake works really hard to be an amazing host. I'd love to see our fans be excited about where we play the Tour Championship in addition to the tournament itself.' But moving the season finale is proving trickier than at first blush. 'It's been a slog,' one Tour insider said. The reason is quite simple: too many chefs in the kitchen, too many constituencies to please. Scott said the 16-member Player Advisory Council had multiple meetings over multiple months, and the only thing on which they could agree was to scrap the staggered-scoring start. That was rubber-stamped back in late May, so all 30 competitors will start at even par this week. But to pull up the anchors in Atlanta, broadcast partners will need to be on board and presenting sponsors who foot the bill — Coca Cola Co. and Southern Co., who enjoy entertaining their guests on the home front — must sign off. Jordan Spieth, a former policy board member, agrees that where the Tour plays matters and can be important to enticing players to compete. East Lake has flipped nines, undergone a massive renovation, turned par 4s into par 5s and back to 4s again, and yet it still doesn't capture the imagination of the sports fan. No one is tuning in to to see East Lake the way they would if the 30-man finale was held at Cypress Point or Pine Valley or Pinehurst (though a 30-man field may be a tough sell for a resort course). This doesn't preclude East Lake being part of a rotation. Selfishly, Spieth said he's good with the Tour Championship staying right where it is. 'Because I've played it so well. I think it's a great golf course,' he said. 'I would have to see what other options were available in order to have a reason for it not to be there every year.' Cypress Point surely would get Spieth's attention. Former Golfweek colleague Jeff Rude years ago suggested playing at Cypress Point, site of The Match between Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan against Ken Venturi and Harvie Ward, and starting the tournament on Wednesday with the winner of the Tour Championship crowned Saturday. Then, send out the top four in points for a trophy dash on Sunday for the FedEx Cup. Airing in primetime, it would be must-see TV and a ratings bonanza. But let's not stop there. Jason Day would be in favor of seeing the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, the first leg of the playoffs, rotate too, because he doesn't play well at TPC Southwind. 'I'm like, when can we leave?' he said. 'But I definitely think we should move around a bit, yeah, for sure.' The Western Golf Association, which runs the BMW Championship, has been the trailblazer and has perfected the model. It broke with tradition of playing annually in Chicago and now rotates to golf-starved metropolitan cites – St. Louis is on tap for 2026 – and set records for its fundraising last year at Denver's Castle Pines. Scott joined the Tour's board of directors because he wanted to elevate the Tour Championship to a legacy event on par with the Lombardi and Stanley Cup trophies. The FedEx Cup is in its 19th year and it's still very much a work in progress. As Scott put it, it was 'impossible to change everything this year.' They ran out of time so this is a bridge to the end result, he said, and he promised, 'Next year you'll see the full picture.' It may take even longer to move the Tour Championship because as Scott said, 'we need everyone comfortable,' but discussions persist. One can only hope that new CEO Brian Rolapp can breathe some new life into the Tour Championship by simply taking it on the road to some of golf's great American cathedrals.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Justin Thomas Has Big Ideas for What Should Come Next in Golf
Justin Thomas Has Big Ideas for What Should Come Next in Golf originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Back in March, Justin Thomas told the media what many within golf have long been thinking regarding the PGA Tour-LIV saga: "I think we're kind of past the level of exhaustion." Advertisement It's been almost four years since LIV Golf shook up the sport, and Thomas – like most other players – is understandably frustrated. The framework agreement announced in June 2023 expired without a deal, and despite meetings earlier in the year between Tiger Woods, Jay Monahan and even White House officials, no concrete progress has been made. But here's the thing about Thomas: Today, he's not complaining; he's looking at what he can do to help. When I asked him about the future of professional golf last week, his perspective was one of genuine optimism. And honestly, it's refreshing to hear someone focus on solutions rather than problems. "The challenge is reuniting the top players and keeping the competition strong," he explained. "Fans want to see the best go head to head, and we need to make that happen consistently." He's nailed it. Golf's magic happens when the superstars are all battling it out together. Remember those Sunday afternoons that got you hooked? Tiger chasing down Phil or watching Rory go shot for shot with Bryson? That's when golf feels electric – when you know the best players in the world are all right there, trying to rip one another's hearts out. Advertisement Thomas resonated with me as a PGA professional involved in the game's behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain and enhance it, particularly when he talked about golf's untapped potential. It's clear that JT is passionate about strengthening the sport, and his enthusiasm got me thinking more about what we, as an industry, can do to grow and improve golf. "There's also a big opportunity, especially with younger fans and international growth," he told me. "I'd love to see the game become more accessible and modern without losing the traditions that make it special." Justin Thomas (left) Jordan Spieth (center) and Patrick Cantlay sign autographs for young fans at the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, California, on June 11, Madrid-Imagn Images This isn't just wishful thinking from a young star. Thomas sees real paths forward. The sport has struggled to capture younger audiences who expect different things from their entertainment. They want more personality, more access, more reasons to care beyond just the golf shots. Advertisement "It's a balancing act, but I believe we're headed in the right direction." That optimism isn't naive – it's grounded in what he sees as golf's core strengths. Think about it: In golf, every shot is like solving a puzzle, which keeps you coming back for more. And honestly, where else can you spend four hours with your buddies on a gorgeous course, talking smack and soaking up the outdoors? Same goes for catching a tournament – watching the pros work their magic at stunning venues with friends and family. The real challenge? Making all that appeal to people who don't already get it. Thomas, like many of us in the game, may be exhausted by the LIV conversation, but his energy and optimism about golf's possibilities are infectious. And frankly, that's exactly the kind of leadership voice among those in the professional game that the sport needs right now. Advertisement Related: The Soul of American Golf- A Journey Through the Game's Heart and Heritage Related: Keegan Bradley's 2025 Ryder Cup Vice Captains Could Deliver Victory to US Related: Allow Me to Introduce Myself This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Brian Rolapp Appointed New CEO Of The PGA Tour
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 17: PGA TOUR CEO, Brian Rolapp address the media during the PGA TOUR ... More CEO announcement at TPC River Highlands on June 17, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) Brian Rolapp has been appointed the new CEO of the PGA Tour, elected by a board that includes Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and his predecessor, former PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Rolapp marks a departure from tradition for the PGA Tour, becoming the first leader from outside of professional golf to hold the Tour's highest title. He spent much of his career in the NFL, most recently serving as Chief Media and Business Officer. Rolapp leaves behind a 22-year tenure with the NFL to step into golf at a time of significant transition. Monahan will remain Commissioner of the PGA Tour, though in an auxiliary role. His nine-year tenure hands off to Rolapp a host of critical challenges and opportunities: a potential LIV-PGA Tour merger, the Tour's transition from a 501(c)(6) nonprofit to a for-profit entity, and a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group (SSG). The Tour is seeking fresh ideas to boost fan engagement and viewership, which has declined for all but the Major Tournaments and the Ryder Cup since the creation of LIV Golf. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 17: Player Directors, Adam Scott, left, and Tiger Woods, center, pose ... More with PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and CEO Brian Rolapp as well as board members, Joe Gorder, far right, Arthur M. Blank, and Michael Corbat, during the PGA TOUR CEO announcement at TPC River Highlands on June 17, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) During his time at the NFL, Rolapp successfully expanded viewership into new demographics and international markets. His appointment, backed by SSG, signals a likely shift in strategy for the Tour. His extensive experience working with major media vendors could help build valuable relationships and potentially assist in an eventual merger within the golf world. Notably, he overlapped at Harvard Business School with LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, and sources say the two remain friendly. While at the NFL, Rolapp negotiated expansive broadcast deals with Amazon, ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox. Under his leadership, his teams secured licensing agreements with top names in sports and media including Netflix, X, Meta, Snapchat, HBO, Nike, Fanatics, and Electronic Arts and launched new ventures such as NFL+ and Skydance Sports. The PGA Tour may benefit from revisiting its licensing strategy, which is currently one of the most restrictive in professional sports, particularly when it comes to player likenesses on social media platforms. Expanding content availability to streaming services and relaxing digital restrictions could help attract younger audiences who consume sports media differently than traditional fans.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
This NFL owner has donated $10 million to First Tee for youth programs
Blank Family Foundation has now donated more than $25 million to First Tee Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank has made a $10 million grant through his family foundation to First Tee, bringing the total of grants from Blank to more than $25 million to the national program that combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum for youth 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers worldwide. The First Tee impacts more than 3 million children and youth, according to the Ponte Vedra Beach-based organization, which was founded in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. Blank, who also owns the PGA Tour Superstore, the TGL champions Atlanta Drive and is the founder of Home Depot, became involved with First Tee through a grant to First Tee-Metro Atlanta and has served as a National Trustee since 2011. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen the curriculum for teen members. 'Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that's no coincidence," Blank said in a statement. "It's a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways. The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives." PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement that the grant from the Blank Family Foundation was "transformative." "We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,' said Monahan, who is also the chairman of the First Tee Board of Governors. 'Arthur's vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future." The Blank Family Foundation made a $9.5 million grant to First Tee in 2020. Grant will help teens develop life skills The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee's efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models. First Tee chapters in PGA Tour Superstore markets, such as First Tee-North Florida (based at the Brentwood Golf Club within the urban core) will receive grants to support youth in developing life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore's footprint continues to expand. The grant also will go to a five-week in-store leadership series with PGA Tour Superstore general managers to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029. Blank presented grant in Atlanta The grant also ensures that the First Tee's Leadership Summit, held each summer since 2021 at Blank's ranch in Emigrant, Montana, will continue. Each summer 40 First Tee teens participate in challenges such as whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding. The grant was formally presented to First Tee this week in Atlanta, where 48 First Tee teens learned best practices in how to lead a successful organization with visits to the PGA Tour Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
PGA Tour, AT&T renew title sponsor of Pebble Beach Pro-Am in multi-year agreement
PGA Tour, AT&T renew title sponsor of Pebble Beach Pro-Am in multi-year agreement The PGA Tour announced Wednesday it has signed a multi-year agreement with AT&T to continue as title sponsor of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The length of the agreement was not announced, but AT&T has sponsored the event since 1986, continuing its streak as the longest-running PGA Tour title sponsor. Rory McIlroy won the 40th edition of the event this year on the famed links. 'We are honored to extend with our longest-running title sponsor in AT&T, a committed supporter of Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Pebble Beach Company for four decades,' PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a release. 'A legacy event on our PGA Tour schedule, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am holds a special place in the hearts of golf fans everywhere, and we are delighted to see this historic championship retain its association with AT&T.' Next year will be the 80th playing of the event on the Monterey Peninsula, with the first round set for Thursday, Feb. 12. "I was going to play it every year anyway, so it's kind of nice they're going to renew for one of these elevated events," Jordan Speith, an AT&T ambassador, said Wednesday at the Travelers Championship. "We saw what's possible on the tough end two years ago with obviously a crazy storm that knocks out the final round, and then we saw kind of this last year how amazing this model can look on one of the greatest golf courses in the world with one of the greatest champions that we've had in Rory winning there. "All in all, I think it's amazing. Having been on kind of single-year partnerships with the Tour the last couple years, to make a commitment there is really big for us players, for the PGA Tour, and hopefully AT&T reaps the benefits that they're hoping for as well." AT&T is the latest title sponsor signing a long-term agreement with the Tour, joining Valspar, 3M and John Deere, all of which signed agreements through 2030. The Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a signature event, thus requiring a bigger commitment from sponsors. Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter reports signature event sponsorships have been going for as much as $25 million annually.
