Mollie Marcoux Samaan has resigned as LPGA commissioner after a historic 2024 season. Liz Moore will serve as the interim commissioner. Mollie expressed her gratitude to the LPGA board and highlighted the growth and impact the organization has experienced during her tenure. She plans to focus on her family and continue her passion for building leaders through sports, particularly women’s sports.
Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has helped solidify the association as a global leader in women’s golf. Purses have increased significantly, with major championship purses more than doubling. However, many have questioned Mollie’s vision for the tour and whether the LPGA is truly capitalizing on the momentum of women’s sports. Despite the success of players like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, not much has changed within the organization.
The 2025 LPGA schedule includes 33 events with a total purse increase of $3.6 million from the previous season, with further increases expected. However, the departure of Cognizant, a key sponsor, raised concerns about the financial stability of the tour. The LPGA’s inability to secure a title sponsor for events in Florida and Ohio has added to the uncertainty surrounding the organization.
The Solheim Cup transportation crisis and issues related to the tour’s Gender Policy and Golf Saudi dealings have fueled doubts among players, partners, and media. Mollie’s indecisiveness on critical topics and lack of transparency regarding the potential LET merger have been seen as liabilities. While there have been wins, such as subsidized health insurance for players, increased staff, and exposure, questions about the return on investments have grown louder.
Despite the challenges faced by the LPGA, the organization remains positioned for continued growth and success. It will be up to the new commissioner to ensure that the strategies and infrastructure put in place by Mollie contribute to the long-term success of the LPGA. The departure of Mollie Marcoux Samaan marks a new chapter in the organization’s history, with opportunities for innovation and growth on the horizon.
