Lydia Ko shares what she ‘truly believes’ will happen on the LPGA Tour in the next few years as commissioner leaves her role

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Golf fans are being treated at this week’s Grant Thornton Invitational as some of the LPGA Tour’s elite team up with their PGA Tour counterparts.

As a result, hot topics of conversation on both tours have been thrust into the spotlight.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s decision to step down as commissioner has made headlines on the LPGA Tour.

It’s been a turbulent couple of months for Marcoux Samaan, with slow play on the LPGA Tour coming under the spotlight once again. Furthermore, angst emerged during the Solheim Cup after thousands of fans faced a logistical nightmare whilst travelling to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

While a new commissioner is found, Marcoux Samaan will be replaced by Liz Morgan, the LPGA’s chief legal officer.

Lydia Ko reacts to Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s LPGA decision

It comes as no surprise to see some LPGA players questioned on the recent news at the Grant Thornton Invitational, and reigning Women’s Open champion Ko has shared her immediate thoughts on the decision.

“Yeah, it’s never easy seeing somebody that you’ve worked with and seen a lot step down,” Ko said.

“I feel like she had one of the hardest roles, jobs in the whole entire world, not only just in sports. She was following also another great commissioner. In ways it’s hard to follow the steps of somebody that a lot of people thought made a huge difference in women’s golf. Mollie’s been great; I feel like we’ve had a good relationship outside of just her being the commissioner and me playing on the LPGA.”

The New Zealander also suggested the LPGA Tour is only going to keep growing after Marcoux Samaan’s departure: “As much as we’re sad to see her go, we’ve had a lot of growth on the LPGA these last few years. I truly believe that there’s going to be more growth in the years to come. I’m excited to meet whoever the next commissioner is going to be.

“For now, Liz is going to be the interim commissioner. Just keep growing. And this is kind of the second half of, you know, chapter of my golf career, so as much as while I’m playing on Tour, I would continuously like to help and see it grow for the future generations. I think it’s an exciting time. With any loss, there are wins. So it’s hard, but I wish Mollie all the best in everything that’s coming ahead for her, too.”

Why Mollie Marcoux Samaan is stepping down as LPGA Commissioner

Marcoux Samaan’s contract was due to expire in 2026, but after facing difficult questions in recent months, the former Princeton athletic director felt the time was right to step back.

According to a report by Golf Week, factions of the LPGA membership were unsure about her vision for the Tour.

Nevertheless, now that Marcoux Samaan is set to depart, her time as LPGA Commissioner will be viewed as largely positive.

The LPGA total purse has reached $131 million, reflecting a remarkable 90% increase since Mollie Marcoux Samaan assumed the role of commissioner in 2021.

Additionally, while the popularity of women’s golf has surged, it’s interesting to note that the television ratings have not aligned with this growth, indicating there’s still work to be done in terms of viewership and exposure.