Rory McIlroy will compete in the Travelers Championship following a challenging US Open performance at Oakmont.
McIlroy anticipates the incoming PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, will make a significant positive impact.
Rolapp will be the tour’s inaugural CEO, gradually assuming day-to-day responsibilities from Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down in 2026 after a decade in the role.
Boasting over two decades of NFL experience, Rolapp spearheaded the NFL’s global expansion as Chief Media and Business Officer.
McIlroy, while yet to meet Rolapp personally, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, deeming it “a really positive thing” for the PGA Tour.
“He’s certainly spoken positively, and his two decades with the NFL speak for themselves,” McIlroy commented on Wednesday.
“He significantly contributed to their international growth and their current stature.
“His experience will be invaluable, and Jay’s assistance in ensuring a smooth transition is also excellent.”
Rolapp engaged with PGA Tour members before the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, starting Thursday. World number one, Scottie Scheffler, shared a positive first impression, stating he “liked what I heard.”
“New leadership is exciting. I only heard him speak yesterday, so my knowledge is limited,” three-time major winner Scheffler mentioned.
“I was impressed yesterday. Our board and Jay have thoroughly vetted his candidacy; securing someone from the NFL’s upper echelon is remarkable.
“His experience and fresh perspective will benefit the tour. I’m optimistic.”
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McIlroy will return to the Travelers Championship, having skipped the 2024 event to recover from a near-miss at the US Open in Pinehurst.
McIlroy heads to Connecticut after a challenging week at Oakmont, where visible frustration followed a narrow cut. He informed reporters he had earned the right to manage his media appearances after skipping press conferences.
Post-tournament, he acknowledged completing a career Grand Slam at the Masters in April as a significant achievement, expressing anticipation for new challenges. He described it as having scaled his “Everest” and looked forward to the next “mountain”.
“The weeks after majors, especially if you were contending, can be difficult to immediately transition to the next event,” the 36-year-old explained.
“However, following Oakmont, where I wasn’t in contention but felt progress, the desire to compete is strong.
“This is ideal following last week and a chance to perform well.”
Regarding a specific shot boosting his confidence, McIlroy emphasized consistency, highlighting his leading tee shots at Oakmont.
“A repeatable feeling, whether on the range or course, is crucial,” he added.
“Last week I felt I found something repeatable, especially off the tee.
“I led in tee shots, which was significant. My driving was consistently strong all week.”