LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who has helped the women’s golf tour reach unprecedented levels of popularity and purse size over the past four years, will step down on Jan. 9, this trip announced on Monday.
Liz Moore, the LPGA’s chief legal and technical officer, will serve as interim commissioner until the search for Samaan’s replacement is completed.
“In this role, I have had the privilege of working with an amazing community of athletes, teachers, partners, tournament operators, industry colleagues, media, fans, volunteers, and staff who are deeply committed to growing the LPGA and operating the LPGA. a unique platform for the organization to promote and develop women and girls,” said Marcoux Samaan in a statement.
“I am proud of the unprecedented growth the LPGA has enjoyed since I took over. The strategy we have built for growth and impact and the infrastructure we have added to take advantage of the great opportunity ahead will serve the LPGA well for decades to come.”
Marcoux Samaan said he was taking the time off in part to “have more time to enjoy our three amazing children as they live their dreams.”
Marcoux Samaan’s final year as LPGA commissioner was marked by the circuit’s failure to take fans to the opening round of the Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, in September. Thousands of fans were stranded in the parking lots, causing many to miss the photo shoot of the opening ceremony.
At that time, Marcoux Samaan took responsibility for failure.
In the end I am the leader of the organization and I have to own it,” said Marcoux Samaan.
During Marcoux Samaan’s tenure as the LPGA’s ninth commissioner, the tour prize fund has increased by more than 90 percent and earnings for the top 100 golfers have increased from about $570,000 in 2021 to more than $1 million this past season, the tour said. in the news. release.
Thanks to the popularity of world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda and others, the LPGA said it had record fan engagement this past season. But others criticized the LPGA for failing to take advantage of the popularity of women’s sports as the WNBA and other professional leagues have recently done.
At last month’s CME Tour Championship, Marcoux Samaan defended his tour leading feat.
“I focus every day on trying to support the athletes, trying to increase tourism, and trying to make this place the best place to play in the world and give more opportunities to girls and women. So, I feel like the numbers really speak for themselves. I think we are facing a lot of growth.
Marcoux Samaan previously served as Princeton’s athletic director. He replaced Mike Whan as LPGA commissioner; Whan is now the CEO of the United States Golf Association.
“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as a global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement,” LPGA Board Chairman John B. Veihmeyer said in a statement.
“Mollie has always championed equality in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the sport. I am confident that the LPGA is well positioned for continued success as we build on the growth trajectory of the past. Mollie’s three and a half years of leadership. We deeply appreciate the lasting impact of Mollie’s many contributions.
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