When Brian Rolapp took over as PGA Tour CEO in June, the former NFL executive promised stability and fresh ideas at a time of upheaval. Early impressions suggest he has made some good promises for the Tour’s vision, and even Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood admits he likes what he’s seen so far.

Host Soly asked Fleetwood on the Fore Play Podcast whether he has had the chance to meet with the new CEO yet. And what was leading Fleetwood’s mind as a proposition for improving the tour? The TOUR Champion kept things real, replying, “I’ve met him twice, but we’ve never really sat down and spoke or spoken over the phone.” However, the real tea came with what Fleetwood said next.

Although Fleetwood expressed his appreciation for Rolapp, he clearly remarked that his assessment came from how Rolapp sounded in his speeches rather than from an actual talk with him. “He seems like a really impressive guy, and without understanding all the details or knowing everything, he seems like he’s kind of hit the ground running. He’s saying the right things and sounds really good.” But Fleetwood is not the kind of guy to meddle with the administration.

“I have an interest in what happens on the PGA Tour, but I have no interest in making those decisions or coming up with those ideas. It’s just never something I’ve felt I had the mindset for or the mental capacity for,” Fleetwood made it clear on the podcast. For Fleetwood, his talent lay with his swings and shots on the greens. Although many golfers have already suggested changes like adjusted field sizes through the Player Advisory Council.  But Fleetwood has never been a part of it.

Fleetwood exclaimed that he has always enjoyed being part of the tour, regardless of the structure of the tour. “I’ve always enjoyed it; there’s never been a time where I haven’t enjoyed being at a PGA Tour event and getting the chance to play against all the best players.” This remark brings forward Fleetwood’s level-headedness and his gratitude towards the tour. However, Fleetwood didn’t back down from complimenting the recent changes on the tour either.

“Obviously, there have been changes, and it’s been really good for us,” Fleetwood shared. “I’ve been very lucky—I’ve played almost all the elevated events, had a perfect schedule, been able to play the majors, and all of that stuff.” The introduction of Signature events has helped Fleetwood remain consistent on the tour. No doubt, the tour has witnessed significant changes since Brian Rolapp’s arrival.

One of Rolapp’s first initiatives was the establishment of the Future Competition Committee. This nine-member panel, chaired by Tiger Woods, included veterans like Patrick Cantlay and Adam Scott. The committee’s mandate is to reevaluate the tour structure. That includes ensuring a merit-based system, rewarding performance, and streamlining regular-season events with the season finale. Moreover, with an increased number of 9 signature events featuring elevated prizes, players like Fleetwood have already found their groove on the tour.

The tour has also introduced a new $20 million Signature event, the Miami Championship. One of the tour’s revered decisions was, however, the removal of the starting strokes in the Tour Championship. Previously, the tour rewarded a few players at the top with a head start at the FedExCup finale. This year, Rolapp reverted to the 72-hole format. The impact was evident this year with Fleetwood’s maiden PGA Tour title. If not for the change, Fleetwood would have begun the week 5 shots behind the leader, ranked 5th. However, the change provided Fleetwood an opportunity to turn around his season despite near misses throughout the year.

However, Fleetwood made it clear that he liked the tour even before the changes. “I thought it was great before as well. Whatever the changes have been, I’ll show up, work, and play.” But Tommy Fleetwood is not the only golfer breaking his silence since Rolapp’s arrival.

Rory McIlroy opens up on true feelings about Brian Rolapp

Rory McIlroy made it especially clear that he finds Rolapp’s position interesting, coming without a golfing background. Rolapp, who was the former CEO for NFL Network, according to McIlroy, doesn’t have preconceived ideas about the sport. That helps him bring a fresh, unbiased perspective to the tour.

“I like that he doesn’t come from golf,” McIlroy chimed. “I like that he doesn’t have any preconceived ideas of what golf should look like or what the Tour should look like.” Moreover, McIlroy believes the tour will see massive changes real soon. That comes from a well-thought-out conversation McIlroy had with Rolapp. “So I hadn’t met him up until last week, and I was able to spend a good 90 minutes with him just talking through everything to do with the Tour and the whole thing over the past three or four years and what the future looks like,” McIlroy shared.

Revealing his perspective about Rolapp, McIlroy added, “I think he’s going to bring a fresh perspective to everything, and I think he wants to move pretty quick, so I’m excited.” Not just Tommy Fleetwood has expressed his approval for Rolapp. McIlroy sees Rolapp as a much-needed fresh voice for the PGA Tour. He’s confident big changes are coming quickly.