Rory McIlroy claims new PGA Tour boss will be 'amazing' in first news conference since tense US Open

Rory McIlroy says the experience new PGA Tour boss Brian Rolapp will bring to the role will be 'amazing'. 

Former NFL executive Rolapp was named as the first chief executive of the established circuit on Tuesday. 

He will slowly assume the day-to-day responsibilities of commissioner Jay Monahan before the 55-year-old steps away at the end of his contract in 2026.

Some reports have suggested that Monahan's role will almost immediately become 'ceremonial' with Rolapp wielding the real decision-making authority. 

Rolapp worked in the NFL for more than two decades and was widely tipped for the top job one day. 

McIlroy told reporters before the Travelers Championship in Connecticut he is yet to meet Rolapp but reckons the father of four is hitting all the right notes.

"He's certainly said all the right things and he has an amazing background with two decades in the NFL," McIlroy said on Wednesday.

"He's helped them expand internationally and help them become the behemoth they have become.

"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 too."

Other players have also offered their verdict after attending a players' only meeting before the final signature event of the PGA Tour's season. 

Xander Schauffele, who has been advocating for a change in leadership for a while, said it was ultimately a good thing that Rolapp will bring a fresh perspective.

Jordan Spieth described Rolapp as 'a steal'. 

Whilst Scottie Scheffler was also impressed with what he heard. 

"Our board and Jay have put a lot of research into finding his successor and to get someone from high up in the NFL is pretty cool," Scheffler said. 

Rory McIlroy believes he turned a corner at Oakmont

McIlroy skipped the Travelers Championship 12 months ago as he was 'licking my wounds' following a brutal US Open that saw LIV Golf recruit Bryson DeChambeau pip him to the title.

He arrives at TPC River Highlands having endured another difficult week. 

McIlroy's behaviour on and off the golf course was put under the spotlight. 

He smashed a tee box and hurled his club on day two of the US Open at Oakmont. 

McIlroy explained that he felt a little flat having climbed 'my Everest' in April at The Masters. 

He also raised eyebrows for his declaration that he believed he had earned the right to do as he pleases with regards to his media commitments. 

That being said, McIlroy reckons he has made a breakthrough, particularly with his driver. 

Although he never contended at Oakmont, he led the field in strokes gained off the tee.

It represented a remarkable turnaround from his erratic shots off the tee at the Canadian Open and PGA Championship. 

"The weeks after major championships, sometimes when you're in contention and trying to win them it can feel quite difficult to go and play the next week," the 36-year-old said.

"But after a week like I had at Oakmont, where you aren't quite in the mix but you think you might have found something in your game, you are excited to play again.

"This is the perfect chaser from last week and it's nice to get out on a golf course where you feel like you can make quite a few brides."

He added: "Last week I felt I found a feeling, especially off the tee that was repeatable and working well.

"I led strokes off the tee last week which was a big thing for me. I thought I drove the ball well all week."