The LPGA Tour’s script was significantly rewritten this year. With Rolex No. 1 player Nelly

Korda’s seven victories in a season and Lydia Ko’s emotional induction to the Hall of Fame after grabbing gold in the Olympics, the women sure have increased the brand value of the Tour. Not to forget the huge leap in the purse of the events since 2021, all thanks to soon-to-retire Tour commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.

But do you think just the monetary gains are sufficient for the players to be motivated to come out every week on the course, give it their all, win or lose, and then go home? While money sure motivates them; it is not everything. Feeling valued, respected, and heard is just as important, more so when you are grinding consistently. Did Marcoux Samman do it or did someone do it better than her? Team USA’s assistant captain for 2024 Solheim Cup thinks the latter.

The former LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan spent more time on the plane than he’d like, traveling the globe to create the most lucrative schedule in Tour history, with purses totaling $70.2 million. He was always on the tee, interacting with the players so that he could understand things from the ground level. While Whan, a “team” leader, won’t take credit, he played a pivotal role in rescuing the Tour from the brink of collapse.

Brittany Lincicome, who had already applauded him earlier in 2020, once again interviewed Golf Today and said, “He was on the first tee, on the golf course.” Even in Thailand, how can I make your life better? What can I do to make the Tour better? He listened to what we had to say. You will not please 144 women all the time; It is very challenging.” When he took up the role in 2010, he had to revitalize the LPGA, which was struggling both financially and in terms of its relationships with sponsors.

There were only 24 events on the schedule, the smallest in 40 years, and many sponsors had pulled out or were reconsidering their involvement. Whan didn’t rush into quick fixes; instead, he focused on repairing these relationships, increasing the schedule, and expanding the Tour’s global footprint. Well, he had the interests and benefits of the players in mind. However, for Marcoux Samaan’s tenure, it was mostly a lucrative increase in purse. But that is not what the players solely need. They need someone who will listen to their demands. The 8X LPGA Tour Champion said, “I know Mollie was doing that, but asking the players what they are looking for and how we can grow together is number one.”

From players to reporters, everyone has been criticizing Marcoux Samaan, as it turns out, she did have her vision straight. And well, that is what has made her answering the blows so much easier.

Marcoux Samaan hits back with numbers

There have been claims that Marcoux Samaan has not been able to win over enough key people in the event business, player body, the press, or even inside her headquarters. She implied that Cognizant backed down from being the title sponsor of the LPGA Founders Cup, which was again a huge setback, in contrast to Mike Whan, who put in all he could to bring in more sponsors. She also added that Samaan lacks confidence and inspiration, which has led to their downfall. 

In response, Marcoux Samaan highlighted the LPGA’s forward strategy and significant growth as key successes. Under her leadership, the Tour’s full media consumption has surged to an average of 10.8 million engagements, up from 4.2 million just two years ago. The staff has grown by 35%, a new website was launched, and a partnership with SeatGeek has boosted ticket sales at major events, she explained.

“I focus every day on trying to support the athletes, trying to grow the Tour, and trying to make this the best place in the world to play and to give additional opportunities to girls and women,” she said. “So, I feel like the statistics and the stats speak for themselves. I think we’re experiencing enormous growth. That’s really what my job is.” 

There is indeed no denying that she has run things her way and has achieved what she wanted to. Her ways just did not resonate with the others in the industry. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below!