“I will not speak for Brian Rolapp”

LIV Golf’s Scott O’Neil provided insight into his relationship with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. The Separatist Tour CEO shares a long-standing bond with Rolapp dating back to their years at Harvard Business School.

In June 2025, Rolapp was named CEO of the U.S. professional golf circuit after spending time in the National Football League (NFL). O’Neil previously stated in the Rick Shiels Golf Show that Rolapp was a friend and that they also attended the same church.

Scott O’Neil recently had a brief session with Sports Business Journal, during which he discussed issues including LIV’s candidacy for the Official World Golf Ranking and LIV Golf’s finances. He was asked during the interview about his conversations with Rolapp and O’Neil decided to keep that information confidential.

Scott O’Neil said in the Sports Business Journal interview:

“We’re both new to our roles and I won’t speak for him. I’ll speak for myself. I spend 95% of my time focused on LIV Golf and how we grow that business and the other 5 on a whole host of things, including what the ecosystem looks like and how we can better engage.”

Scott O’Neil also mentioned in his statement that a new deal was coming to the sport. O’Neil further stated that the PGA Tour’s dominance will be limited to the United States while LIV Golf will be the “dominant player in the rest of the world”.

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When LIV Golf’s Scott O’Neil admitted to having ‘a lot of respect’ for PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp

In the Rick Shiels Golf Show in February, O’Neil discussed his relationship with Rolapp in detail. The CEO of the PIF-backed Saudi golf league was asked if he would like to invite the former NFL media and business director to an LIV golf event, and Scott O’Neil agreed. He admitted to having respect for Rolapp and added:

“I’m sure of it. He’s someone I know very well and have a lot of respect for. I doubt he’ll come, it’ll be too much of a new circus. I don’t think I’d encroach on his energy too. I imagine he’ll come to the Open and we’ll spend some time there.”

In the podcast, O’Neil further explained that he believes Rolapp’s presence could provide more opportunities for golfers to compete together more often. He also mentioned in his statement that with Rolapp on board this would be made easier “at a faster pace”.