5 biggest highlights of outgoing LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s career so far

Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the LPGA Tour Commissioner for nearly three years, has officially resigned. She took the role in 2021 and has worked diligently to grow the circuit.

On Monday, December 2, It was announced that Marcoux Samaan would be stepping down from her position. However, she will continue to serve until January 5, 2025, after which Liz Moore will take over as the Interim Commissioner. LPGA Tour Board Chair John B. Veihmeyer commented on her departure and said:

"Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement. Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game."

Marcoux Samaan has a long history of working in the sports industry, and below are the top five highlights of her career.

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Top 5 highlights of LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan's career

#1 Her administrative career

Mollie Marcoux Samaan transitioned into the sports world through administrative roles. As per her LinkedIn profile, she was the first Vice President / Field House General Manager of Chelsea Piers from January 2002 to December 2010. After nine years in that role, she became the Executive Vice President of Chelsea Piers Connecticut. She later joined Princeton University as Athletic Director, a position she held for seven years (2014-2021). In 2021, she was appointed LPGA Tour Commissioner, a role she is resigning from in 2024. Her original tenure was expected to end in 2026.

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#2 Her contribution to the growth of the LPGA Tour

As LPGA Tour Commissioner, Marcoux Samaan increased the purses for women’s golf events on the circuit. She significantly contributed to the circuit’s growth by raising prize money for both Major Championships. Under her leadership, the total prize money for events reached an all-time high of approximately $125 million in 2024, as reported by Golfweek.

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#3 Increase in players’ average income

Golf Digest reported that players' average income witnessed a notable increase under Marcoux Samaan's leadership. The average income of the top 100 players on the circuit rose from $575,000 to $1 million over the past three years.

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#4 Improvements in healthcare and travel stipends

Another significant achievement during Mollie Marcoux Samaan's tenure was the introduction of full-subsidiary healthcare facilities for players. Additionally, the circuit increased travel stipends and missed-cut expenses, adding $8 million to these initiatives.

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#5 Marcoux Samaan was a sports player

Marcoux Samaan was an avid sportswoman, excelling in ice hockey and soccer during her college days. While studying at Princeton University, she played for its women’s ice hockey team from 1987 to 1991 and soccer team from 1987 to 1990. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from the university.