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Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer
LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who helped the women’s professional golf tour reach unprecedented heights in popularity and purse sizes the past four years, will step down on Jan. 9, the tour announced Monday.
Liz Moore, the LPGA’s chief legal and technology officer, will serve as interim commissioner until a search for Samaan’s replacement is finalized.
“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,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement.
“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.”
Marcoux Samaan said she was stepping aside in part to “have more time to cheer on our three amazing children as they live their dreams.”
During Marcoux Samaan’s tenure as the ninth LPGA commissioner, the tour’s prize fund increased by more than 90% and the average earnings for the top 100 golfers increased from about $570,000 in 2021 to more than $1 million this past season, the tour said in a news release.
Thanks to the popularity of world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda and others, the LPGA achieved record TV audiences this past season.
Marcoux Samaan previously worked as Princeton’s athletic director. She replaced Mike Whan as LPGA commissioner; Whan is now CEO of the United States Golf Association.
“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,” LPGA Board Chair John B. Veihmeyer said in a statement.
“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.”