Brian Rolapp’s tenure as PGA Tour CEO has been nothing short of controversial. Since taking on the role in 2020, Rolapp has made several decisions aimed at improving the Tour, but they have not been without their fair share of criticism. However, amidst all the backlash, Rolapp has found an unlikely ally in the form of the world’s No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler. The young golfer’s recent comments at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational have made it clear that he fully supports Rolapp’s decisions, despite the controversy surrounding them.
Rolapp’s first major decision as CEO was to introduce a new format for the Tour’s flagship event, the Players Championship. The new format, which included a 54-hole cut and a reduced field, was met with mixed reactions from players and fans alike. Some praised the move, saying it would make the tournament more competitive, while others criticized it for taking away opportunities for lesser-known players.
But Scheffler, who was just starting his professional career at the time, was one of the few players who publicly supported the decision. He believed that the new format would give him a better chance to compete against the top players in the world and showcase his skills on a bigger stage. And he was right. In 2022, Scheffler finished T5 at the Players Championship, his best finish at a PGA Tour event at the time.
Since then, Scheffler has become a vocal supporter of Rolapp’s decisions, even when they have been met with backlash. In 2024, Rolapp announced that the Tour would be reducing the number of events on the schedule, a move that was met with criticism from players who feared a decrease in playing opportunities. But Scheffler, who had by then established himself as one of the top players on Tour, saw the bigger picture.
In an interview with Golf Digest, Scheffler said, “I understand why some players may be upset about the reduction in events, but I think it’s necessary for the Tour to continue to grow and attract top talent. Quality over quantity, right? And I trust Brian’s vision for the Tour.”
Scheffler’s comments were a clear indication of his support for Rolapp’s decisions, even when they may not have been popular among his fellow players. And his trust in Rolapp’s leadership has only grown stronger over the years.
At the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler was asked about his thoughts on Rolapp’s tenure as CEO so far. And his response left no room for doubt about where he stood on the matter.
“As far as I know, Brian has made some tough decisions for the betterment of the Tour, and I fully support him. I think he’s doing a great job, and I’m excited to see where he takes the Tour in the future,” Scheffler said.
His comments were met with applause from the audience, and it was clear that Scheffler’s support for Rolapp was shared by many in the golfing community. It was a powerful endorsement for the PGA Tour CEO, who has faced criticism for his decisions in the past.
But it’s not just Scheffler’s words that have shown his support for Rolapp. The young golfer’s actions on the course have also been a testament to his trust in the CEO’s decisions. In 2025, when Rolapp announced that the Tour would be implementing a new pace of play policy, Scheffler was one of the first players to comply with the new rules. He even went on to win the tournament, proving that the new policy was not hindering players’ performance.
Scheffler’s unwavering support for Rolapp has not gone unnoticed. The CEO has expressed his gratitude for the golfer’s backing, saying, “It means a lot to have the support of the world’s No. 1 player. It gives me confidence that I am making the right decisions for the Tour.”
As the PGA Tour continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that Rolapp and Scheffler are on the same page. Their partnership has proven to be a powerful force in driving the Tour forward, despite the challenges and controversies they may face along the way.
In conclusion, while Brian Rolapp’s tenure as PGA Tour CEO may have been controversial, his decisions have not gone unnoticed. And with the support of players like Scottie Scheff
