Just about 16 months into his tenure, Rolapp has made the impossible possible and done what many other leaders in sports leagues aspire to do: garner the support and affection of players, sponsors and fans. Rolapp has rolled out new reforms in a tight manner. Nothing ever seems rushed or reactionary.
He has struck a balance between upholding traditions and letting his outside experience guide decisions that insiders might overlook. A new two-tiered PGA Tour and an adjusted Tour Championship format are key structural changes to the circuit, but nuance comes storming through the doors at PGA Tour headquarters when dealing with those who are striking the shots, especially when they aren't already under your purview. Jon Rahm made it known last week that he will be leaving whatever becomes of LIV Golf.
The 2.0 version of the startup league is not of interest to the two-time major champion, leaving many to wonder where he will play in 2027. Conventional wisdom suggests he will find a home on the DP World Tour, serve his one-year PGA Tour suspension (from the time of his last LIV Golf start) and return stateside in 2028 when the new-look tour arrives. Thanks to his win at the 2023 Masters, Rahm would be immediately eligible for the top-level Championship Series.
Rolapp has never been one to take the conventional route, however. He welcomed back Brooks Koepka when the five-time major champion left LIV Golf and contacted the PGA Tour about a possible return. In doing so, he also opened the door for Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith to switch allegiances via the Returning Member Program, even though those three were still firmly under contract.
The PGA Tour will not deal with golfers until their LIV Golf contracts are void or expired. As such, Rolapp has continued to harp on the same talking points. He is focused on making the PGA Tour the best it can be, regardless of who may try to jump on board in the future.
Still, the moment has come for Rolapp to make a decision. It is time to open the fridge, smell the milk and weigh the two options: take a sip or throw it in the bin immediately. "I've got no idea," said Xander Schauffele when asked what track Rolapp may take.
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