The LPGA, founded in 1950, didn’t hire its first commissioner until 1975. Babe Zaharias’ business manager, Fred Corcoran, was the tournament manager of the newly-formed tour 75 years ago, and Patty Berg was the first president. But it wasn’t until Ray Volpe, in the mid-70s, insisted on having the title of “commissioner” and answering to a board of directors that the current system was put into place.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan was named the ninth commissioner in May 2021. The former Princeton athletic director announced she was stepping down on Dec. 2, 2024.
Here’s a look at the history of all nine LPGA commissioners:
LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan speaks with the media during a roundtable during the second round of the 2022 CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The LPGA’s second female commissioner held the post for a little more than three years.
Michael Whan addresses the media during the State of the LPGA talk during the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 22, 2019 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The current U.S. Golf Association CEO had the longest run of any LPGA commissioner. He came in and saved the tour from utter collapse, taking the LPGA back to its “act like a founder” roots. Whan restored confidence with checkwriters and rebuilt player trust.
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens speaks with the media prior to the start of the ADT Championship at the Trump International Golf Club on November 19, 2008 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
The LPGA’s first female commissioner was driven out by the players after losing a large number of events. Bivens struggled with relationships in all aspects of the job.
Ty Votaw, LPGA Commissioner poses with 2004 LPGA Player-of-the-Year Annika Sorenstam of Sweden at the Rolex LPGA Player-of-ther-Year reception at the Mar-a-Lago Club on November 20, 2004 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Votaw first joined the LPGA as the tour’s general counsel in 1991 and was promoted a year later as LPGA commissioner Charles Mechem’s special assistant. After serving as vice president of business affairs, he became commissioner in 1999. He left the tour in 2005 to work for the PGA Tour, where he played a key role…
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