LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan has announced her decision to step down from her role in January, following a season of highs and lows in women’s professional golf. This unexpected departure comes after the 2024 season, which saw record-high purses and Nelly Korda’s rise to global stardom, but also moments of concern among the membership and logistical challenges at the Solheim Cup. In her place, Liz Moore, the LPGA’s chief legal officer, will step in as interim Commissioner. Marcoux Samaan expressed gratitude to the LPGA Board for the opportunity to lead the organization and highlighted the progress made in athlete well-being, performance, and growth during her tenure.
Marcoux Samaan’s tenure as Commissioner began in May 2021, following a successful career as the athletic director at Princeton University. She prioritized athlete well-being and performance by implementing various programs and benefits, such as missed-cut stipends, domestic travel stipends, mental health resources, and fully-subsidized healthcare insurance for LPGA athletes. Her contract was set to run through the 2026 season, but she has decided to step down ahead of the 2025 season, which boasts a total purse size of $131 million, a significant increase from when she first took office. Despite these achievements, her final months were not without challenges, including concerns about television ratings and criticisms following the Solheim Cup transportation debacle.
Throughout the 2024 season, the LPGA did not see substantial growth in television ratings despite the overall popularity of women’s sports. Some members of the LPGA expressed uncertainty about Marcoux Samaan’s vision for the tour, prompting questions about the organization’s direction. CME Group CEO Terry Duffy publicly criticized the broadcast coverage of the LPGA, calling for improvements to enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, the Solheim Cup transportation issues raised concerns about planning and execution, leading Marcoux Samaan to take responsibility and address the situation directly. She announced her decision to step down on January 9, just before the start of the 2025 season.
Overall, Marcoux Samaan’s departure marks the end of a transformative period for the LPGA, with significant growth in purses, athlete benefits, and the overall reach of women’s professional golf. Despite facing challenges and criticisms in her final months as Commissioner, her legacy includes advancements in athlete support and the positioning of the LPGA for continued success in the future. As Liz Moore steps in as interim Commissioner, the organization will navigate this leadership transition and continue to focus on empowering and advancing women and girls through golf. The upcoming 2025 season presents an opportunity for the LPGA to build on past achievements and address areas of improvement, ensuring the continued growth and success of women’s professional golf on a global scale.
