Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the ninth commissioner of the LPGA, announced Monday that she will step down from her position, with her final day set for January 9, 2025. Her resignation comes just over a week after the conclusion of the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida.
Marcoux Samaan, who was appointed as commissioner in May 2021, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization and reflected on the growth the LPGA has experienced during her tenure. Under her leadership, the tour saw a dramatic increase in player earnings, with total prize money for 2025 reaching a record $131 million. She also highlighted the introduction of initiatives such as missed-cut stipends, travel stipends, and expanded mental health resources, which she said would position the LPGA for long-term success.
“I am proud of the unprecedented growth the LPGA has enjoyed since I began my tenure,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement. “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.”
Marcoux Samaan, who previously served as athletic director at Princeton University, replaced Mike Whan, who left the LPGA to become the CEO of the USGA. During her time as commissioner, the LPGA’s purses increased by over 90%, and average earnings for top-100 players doubled.
The LPGA announced that Liz Moore, the tour’s chief legal and technology officer, will serve as interim commissioner while the organization conducts a global search for a permanent replacement.
While Marcoux Samaan’s tenure brought notable achievements, it was not without controversy. Her leadership faced scrutiny from several quarters, including comments from Terry Duffy, CEO of CME Group, who initially criticized the LPGA’s leadership after a dinner for sponsors ahead of the CME Group Tour Championship was poorly attended in 2022. Additionally, some reports, including one from Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols, raised concerns about transparency and relationship-building under Marcoux Samaan, particularly regarding issues such as the LPGA’s gender policy and dealings with Golf Saudi.
Despite these challenges, LPGA Chairman John Veihmeyer praised Marcoux Samaan’s efforts, noting her instrumental role in solidifying the LPGA’s position as the global leader in women’s professional golf and her commitment to expanding opportunities for women and girls through the sport.
Looking ahead, the next commissioner will face the challenge of building on the LPGA’s recent growth while navigating the evolving landscape of professional golf, including the increasing influence of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on the sport.
The LPGA’s board will now focus on finding a successor who can continue to strengthen relationships with sponsors, attract new partners, and sustain the growth momentum that Marcoux Samaan has cultivated over the past three years.
