NASCAR commissioner, TaylorMade president linked to PGA Tour CEO opening

The PGA Tour is looking for a new CEO, and one name within NASCAR has been linked to the job. According to the Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern and Josh Carpenter, the PGA Tour has shown interest in NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps as well as TaylorMade President and CEO David Abeles for its opening.

Phelps was promoted to NASCAR commissioner on March 31. According to the Sports Business Journal, it's unclear if Phelps is actually interested in becoming the PGA Tour's new CEO, but it would be surprising to see him leave NASCAR after his recent promotion.

The best case scenario for NASCAR is Phelps staying with the racing series, as he has been one of the most important figures for several years. It's also unclear who would replace Phelps as the NASCAR commissioner if he were to leave, but nothing indicates that it is close or even happening at this time.

Abeles was 44 when he was named chief executive and president of TaylorMade in March of 2014.

The PGA Tour revealed in December it was seeking someone to fill the role of CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises.

"We're bringing new perspectives onto our team to help us realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport, including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour," he said in a video later released to fans.

Monahan will remain as commissioner, serve on the Tour’s policy board as a director, a first for a Tour commissioner, and partake in the search committee for the CEO.