NEW YORK (Reuters) – The LPGA board elected Craig Kessler to serve as its new commissioner, the organisation said on Thursday, with the former Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America stepping into the role on July 15.
Former Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepped down in January, days before the start of the 2025 season, after overseeing an increase in popularity and prize money.
“This role is deeply personal to me – not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives,” Kessler said in a statement.
“I believe in the LPGA’s mission, its members and its momentum.”
The LPGA Tour put a record $131 million in prize money up for offer across 35 events in its 75th anniversary season this year, with the combined purse for the five majors topping $47 million.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Toby Davis)
