Mollie Marcoux Samaan has been elected as the next LPGA Commissioner after the resignation of long time head Mike Whan who will move on to head up the USGA.
Marcoux Samaan, currently Ford Family Director of Athletics at Princeton University, will become the ninth Commissioner of the LPGA since its formation in 1950.
Speaking at the announcement Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors and the Search Committee Diane Gulyas said the selection of Mollie Marcoux Samaan as the LPGA’s next Commissioner is the outcome of an extensive and deliberate search process.
“The position attracted a diverse group of outstanding internal and external candidates, all passionate about the LPGA. We concluded that Mollie is the right leader to guide the LPGA’s next chapter of growth, impact and achievement,” said Diane Gulyas.
“Mollie understands the power of golf to change the lives of girls and women. As a values-centred leader, she’s known for her skills in collaboration, managing through complexity and building a winning team culture.
“In every role, she’s had an outstanding record of performance in navigating change, forging lasting partnerships, and seeing – and seizing – new opportunities,” Gulyas said.
World and LPGA Hall of Famer and a member of the Search Committee Juli Inkster said the search process was disciplined and thorough.
“But in the end, Mollie stood above the rest. We were impressed by her track record working with athletes; with her ability to forge new and innovative partnerships; and with her personal passion, authenticity and proven persistence for excellence,” said Juli Inkster.
Samaan was a passionate multi-sport athlete from the moment she was introduced to sports as a young girl. After watching the LPGA and seeing her older brother play golf, Marcoux Samaan convinced her parents at age 11 to allow her to spend her summer days playing at Newman Golf Course, a public course in Ithaca, N.Y. At 14, she was runner up in the women’s city championship, losing in a playoff. She is a five-time club champion at the North Fork Country Club in Cutchogue, N.Y.
Samaan said the LPGA Commissioner role is one of the best jobs in sports today and the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’m passionate about the game of golf and have been an LPGA fan since I was a little girl,” Samaan said.
“I appreciate the LPGA’s history and the tenacity of its 13 Founders. I’m truly inspired by our Tour players and teaching professionals. I’m excited to dive into the LPGA initiatives to impact women and girls in the game at every age and ability. And, to learn about and contribute to all aspects of the LPGA’s business.
“I believe passionately that sports have the power to change the world. And in this moment in time – with the positive energy around women’s sports, women’s leadership and society’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion – I believe the LPGA has an incredible opportunity to use our platform for positive change.
‘I’ve devoted my career to developing character, confidence and opportunities through sports. My mission and the LPGA’s mission are fully aligned: providing women and girls the opportunity to achieve their dreams through golf.
“Under the leadership of Mike Whan and the executive team, the LPGA is strongly positioned for continued growth and impact. I’ll look forward to working with Mike and the leadership team to meet the many people and organizations that have been so integral to the LPGA’s success. With its committed sponsors and fans, talented players and members, and exceptional staff and Board, my role will be to continue the positive momentum and increase opportunities, awareness, impact and respect for the LPGA worldwide,” Marcoux Samaan said.
Kiwi Lydia Ko is one of eight LPGA members on the 2021 Board of Directors.
