LPGA boss Mike Whan reveals his next move

Just over a month after announcing his intention stand down as commissioner of the LPGA, Mike Whan has revealed his next move.

The 49-year-old has today been confirmed as the new CEO of the United States Golf Association. He will join the USGA this summer.

In succeeding the outgoing Mike Davis, Whan will become the eighth top executive in the organisation’s history and will be responsible for leading all aspects of the association’s operations, including its core functions, essential programs, and human and financial resources. He will also represent the USGA on a variety of national and international boards. 

The move comes following an impressive 11 years at
the helm of the LPGA, during which the organisation experienced historic growth in virtually every aspect of
the business.

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“Mike Whan is a proven, successful and transformative leader, not
only in the golf industry but throughout his entire career,” said USGA president Stu Francis. “He has shown
a unique ability to understand how the environment is changing in
global golf and how to quickly and thoughtfully adapt an organization to
meet those changes.

“Importantly, Mike is already a trusted peer for so
many key stakeholders in the industry, and his existing relationships
will not only help the USGA, but will also help advance the game.”

Whan added: “As someone who grew up loving this game, I have always had huge
respect for the USGA and its role in leading our sport. The
game has given me so much throughout my life, both personally and
professionally.

“I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m truly excited
about this role, as it gives me the opportunity to not only give back to
the game, but to also work hard to leave it stronger.”  

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Current CEO Mike Davis, who joined the USGA in 1990 and association’s seventh executive director in 2011 and first CEO in
2016, will depart later this year to team with Tom Fazio II in a new course design venture, Fazio & Davis Golf Design. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mike Whan for many years and I
view him as a trusted, strategic leader who has a proven track record
of building collaborative partnerships,” said Davis. “I know the USGA
will be in great hands, and I look forward to partnering with Mike to
ensure a smooth and successful transition for the USGA.”