The LPGA Tour has seen a lot of ups and downs over the past 3 years. They have lost sponsors, players have retired early, and their TV ratings have taken a hit, but they have still managed to resign great endorsements from other organizations, witnessed a record-breaking season from Nelly Korda, and hosted one of the biggest LPGAT event purses at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship where the winner bagged $4 million.

All through this time, Mollie Marcoux Samaan has been at the helm of managing the Tour and ensuring that the pros have the best options available to them. Her hard work has helped LPGAT increase the quality of the product and grow the league to a level it has never been at before. But all that came to an end abruptly a few weeks ago when Samaan surprised everyone by announcing her exit as the chairman of the LPGA Tour. She spoke about the same a few hours ago during an interview with a news outlet.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s unexpected exit

There is no doubt that Mollie Marcoux Samaan gained a lot of respect and love from the LPGAT due to her efforts as a decision-maker. But, that took a heavy toll on the 56-year-old. Having to juggle between the numerous ventures of women’s golf and ensuring the pros experience continuous growth meant that Samaan couldn’t find the time for herself and her family. She made a lot of sacrifices during the 3 years she was in the position. Fans expected her to lead from the front as she was due to begin the final year of her contract, which was due to end at the end of 2025.

But that didn’t happen as Samaan herself backed out of the role from January 9, 2025 onwards. It seems that she has had enough of the highs and lows she and the LPGAT experience in 2024. She joined Golf Today for a 1-on-1 interview. That’s when the host asked her if she believed that her surprising resignation came due to a lack of support from the board and players. Samaan replied, “No. I think the timing is everything in life,” explaining that the LPGA Tour has grown a lot recently with new infrastructure. She also mentioned how “it’s a taxing job,” and she also has 3 growing children who need to be looked after.

Mollie Marcoux says how it’s challenging to be a mother and this is “a critical point in their lives.” She stated that one of her children is in high school and she wants to watch him “pursue his passion,” while also working on her own life goals. Samaan mentions how she has had a brilliant career working in 4 great organizations for 30+ years and “this is a great time to pursue those other opportunities,” indicating that she would like to explore other options in her professional life.

While Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s resignation came as a shock to everyone, LPGA Tour stars stated the changes they would expect the new commissioner to bring in. Let’s see what they had to say.

LPGA Tour pros react to Samaan’s exit

Mollie Marcoux Samaan may have had an impact on the top LPGA Tour stars. But soon after she announced her exit, the best of the best in women’s golf started talking about their expectations from the next person on the helm. Speaking to GolfWeek, Nelly Korda stated “I would have to think about it. Obviously, someone that has had a lot of experience in this field. And someone that knows how to talk to people the right way to get attention and more investment into the game of golf,” hinting that she is expecting a progressive and experienced leader who can help grow the LPGA Tour beyond its current limits.

Lydia Ko also had a few words to share as she mentioned “I think not only golf, but women’s sport is in such a good spot that I feel like we don’t need a lot of push, it’s kind of trending on its own. So somebody that just really understands the complexities of it. And, I mean, I’ve never been the commissioner so I can’t speak entirely for one, but it seems like almost an impossible job really,” suggesting that it’s a very challenging position to take up for anyone.

Do you think the new commissioner be able to fulfill all the responsibilities that the LPGA Tour demands of them? Share your views in the comments section.