LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan resigns after huge season

Mollie Marcoux Samaan has resigned from her duties as LPGA commissioner.

The tour announced the news just days after the conclusion of a historic 2024 season. Liz Moore, the LPGA’s Chief Legal and Technology Officer and Corporate Secretary, will assume the role of Interim Commissioner, according to a release from the tour.

“I thank Chairman John Veihmeyer and the rest of the LPGA Board for trusting me to serve as the ninth Commissioner of the LPGA,” said Marcoux Samaan in a statement. “In this role, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable community of athletes, teachers, partners, tournament operators, industry colleagues, media, fans, volunteers, and staff who share a deep commitment to growing the LPGA and using the organization’s unique platform to empower and advance women and girls. I am proud of the unprecedented growth the LPGA has enjoyed since I began my tenure. The strategy we have built for growth and impact along with the infrastructure we have added to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity ahead will serve the LPGA well in the coming decades. With the LPGA positioned for continued growth, it’s time for me to have more time to cheer on our three amazing children as they live their dreams while I continue to pursue my passion for building leaders, uniting communities and creating value through sports, particularly women’s sports.”

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Marcoux Samaan, the tour’s ninth commissioner, was hired in May 2021 to replace the now-current USGA CEO Mike Whan. Her five-year contract ran until the summer of 2026. The former Princeton athletic director was the second woman to hold the post. Carolyn Bivens was ousted by the players in July 2009.

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“On behalf of the LPGA Board, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mollie for her exceptional dedication and passion in advancing the Association’s reach and impact,” said LPGA Board Chair John B. Veihmeyer. “Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement. Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game. I am confident that the LPGA is well-positioned for continued success as we build on the growth trajectory of the past three and a half years of Mollie’s leadership. We deeply appreciate the lasting impact of Mollie’s many contributions.”

Purses have risen substantially since 2021 – major championship purses alone have more than doubled – and the largest winner’s check in the history of the women’s game of $4 million was handed out at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship to Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan resigns after huge season