Mollie Marcoux Samaan will step down as LPGA commissioner effective Jan. 9, the LPGA announced Monday.
Marcoux Samaan served a three-and-a-half-year tenure as commissioner of the LPGA, though her contract was set to run until the summer of 2026, according to Golfweek. The announcement of her exit from the role comes a week after the conclusion of the tour’s 2024 season. Liz Moore, the LPGA’s chief legal and technology and corporate secretary, will be the interim commissioner as the league searches for its next leader.
“I am proud of the unprecedented growth the LPGA has enjoyed since I began my tenure,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement. “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.”
The LPGA has seen a prize fund increase of 90 percent during Marcoux Samaan’s tenure — the 2025 season will offer a record-breaking $131 million in purses. But the departure of key title sponsors, like Cognizant, has been a major problem, even during a year that featured a record-setting season by Nelly Korda.
The Solheim Cup transportation problems created negative headlines and fan displeasure during what should have been an overwhelmingly successful week. Players have spoken privately about feeling there has been a lack of communication and transparency from the LPGA since Mike Whan’s departure in 2021. Marcoux Samaan, formerly Princeton’s athletics director, replaced Whan when he left the LPGA and ultimately became the USGA CEO.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
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(Photo: Thomas Shea / USA Today)
