LPGA Tour commissioner to step down

Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the commissioner of the LPGA Tour, has announced she is stepping down.

She was hired as the tour’s ninth commissioner in May 2021 but will leave the role on January 9.

Liz Moore, the circuit’s chief legal and technology officer, will replace Samaan on an interim basis.

“I thank Chairman John Veihmeyer and the rest of the LPGA Board for trusting me to serve as the ninth Commissioner of the LPGA,” she said.

“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 organisation’s unique platform to empower and advance women and girls. 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 capitalise 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.”

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Samaan’s contract was set to expire in the summer of 2026 but, after a scrutinised tenure, will leave over a year early.

Having served as Princeton University’s athletics director, the American took over from USGA chief Mike Whan, who led the tour for 11 years.

“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,” Veihmeyer said.

“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realising 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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Under Samaan’s leadership, prize money on the LPGA Tour skyrocketed to new heights. In 2025, players will compete for a record $131 million.

Meanwhile, the LPGA enjoyed record fan engagement, with global audiences reaching record highs. The LPGA Foundation also recorded unprecedented success.

Terry Duffy, CEO and chairman of CME Group, which sponsors the LPGA’s season finale, told Golfweek: “I don’t know how you could not give A++ to where the tour is at today under her leadership.”

But Samaan has faced criticism, as well.

Two years ago, Duffy blasted Samaan and LPGA leadership after no players showed up to an early-week dinner for sponsors ahead of the CME Group Tour Championship.

“They better get their act together,” Duffy told Golfweek. “They’re going to lose people like me over stuff like this.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.