(Reuters) – The LPGA has named Mollie Marcoux Samaan its new commissioner, succeeding Mike Whan, the governing body of women’s golf announced on Tuesday.
Marcoux Samaan, who is currently athletics director at Princeton University, is the LPGA’s ninth commissioner since its formation in 1950.
“The LPGA Commissioner role is one of the best jobs in sports today and the opportunity of a lifetime,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement. “I’m passionate about the game of golf and have been an LPGA fan since I was a little girl.
“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.
“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.”
Marcoux Samaan represented Princeton in both soccer and ice hockey.
After graduating in 1991, she served as assistant athletic director, assistant dean of admissions, and coach of girls’ ice hockey and soccer at the Lawrenceville School.
She rejoined Princeton as athletics director in 2014 and the university’s teams won a league-leading 65 Ivy League Championships during her tenure.
Whan, who notified the LPGA board late last year that he would step down in 2021, was recently announced as the next CEO of the United States Golf Association.
(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
