The LPGA Tour was on a great run after an excellent finish to the 2024 season. The last few events saw record viewership thanks to the involvement of exciting athletes and amazing strokeplay. One of the biggest attractions towards the end was Caitlin Clark’s inclusion in the Pro-am tournament of the Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. The WNBA star stole the show thanks to her enigmatic personality and large social reach.

In the end, it was Nelly Korda’s accomplishments and Jeeno Thitikul’s triumph that were the true highlights of the closing season last year. Korda captured 7 titles throughout the year while Thitikul overcame the odds to win the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship and the $4 million prize money. While the players did their part extremely well, there is one other individual who also deserves as much credit for her efforts. The person we’re talking about is former LPGA Tour commissioner; Mollie Marcoux Samaan.

Samaan and her team helped the Tour reach new heights. The American Women’s Golf Tour saw increased TV ratings and major extensions of sponsor contracts. The LPGA Tour retained the CME Group for another couple of years to sponsor their season-ending event. But all those boons didn’t come easy for them as Samaan shared the challenges the new commissioner might face when they join the LPGA Tour.

Joining the Golf Channel for an exclusive interview, Mollie Marcoux was asked what she thinks would be the biggest challenge for her successor. The former LPGA Tour commissioner replied, “The job is hard and complex and it requires a ton of travel,” providing a preview of what to expect. After stating that the new commissioner needs to be good at the commercial and sporting sides of the business, she further added, “Getting more resources into the organization so we can reach our full potential is the challenge that’s ahead,” suggesting that the new commissioner needs to attract more sponsors. She stated that the LPGA Tour needs new partners to help it achieve “the mission and the vision of the organization.”

Lastly, Samaan mentioned “It’s a complex job. You have many constituents. But I’m positive that the LPGA will find a fantastic commissioner to lead the organization into the future,” before hinting that she and her team have set up the new leader for success. This is not the first time Mollie Marcoux Samaan has talked about the challenges of being the commissioner as she had previously admitted that “it’s a taxing job”.

Maybe she was recollecting the no-show of top players like Nelly Korda & co, at an important LPGA Tour event back in 2022. Back then, the CME Group were planning to host the biggest purse event outside of the majors in the LPGA Tour history with the winner getting $2 million. The Chairman and CEO of the CME Group; Terry Duffy had hosted an event after the tournament where he would be handing over the prize money. He expected a large presence from LPGA Tour stars cheering in the audience. However, to his and Samaan’s surprise, none of the pros showed up. This raised a lot of questions from Duffy and the CME Group, putting Samaan in hot water.

Interestingly, LPGA Tour stars also had something similar to say about the incoming manager. Let’s see what they are expecting.

Do Mollie Marcoux Samaan & Nelly Korda have the same expectations?

Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s exit came as a big shock to the golf community. The former commissioner stepped down from her post on January 9, 2025. However, the top LPGA Tour stars were focused on moving ahead towards the future of the league. As shared by GolfWeek, Nelly Korda said, “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,” after she described her relationship with Samaan. The world no. 1 is eager to see what the new commissioner will bring to the table. Mel Reid also mentioned how “it’s no easy feat being the commissioner of the LPGA. I think somebody that has a business head, a very modernized marketing head and a very personal person, which I think having those three attributes is tricky to find, but I think they’re certainly out there, and I think someone is up for the challenge,” suggesting that the new commissioner should be prepared for a lot of challenges.

Lydia Ko also had a few words to say as she mentioned, “I believe that with the help of our board and the player directors and the whole search committee, we’re going to find the right commissioner for us right now. I think who is the commissioner really depends on where golf is in general. We’re at a very different place on the LPGA now in 2024 to when we were during COVID, and even the time when Mike came along. It just has to be somebody that fits the situation for right now.” She believes that the LPGA Tour has been at a different stage of success every time a new commissioner is brought on and the expectations adapt accordingly.

Do you agree with what Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Nelly Korda, & co. had to say about the responsibilities the new commissioner might face? Share your views in the comments section.