After Nelly Korda & Co’s Betrayal In 2022, Ex-LPGA Chief Makes Stunning Confession: ‘It’s a Complex Job’
The LPGA Tour was on a great run after an excellent finish to the 2024 season. The last few events saw record viewership thanks to the involvement of exciting athletes and amazing strokeplay. One of the biggest attractions towards the end was Caitlin Clark’s inclusion in the Pro-am tournament of the Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. The WNBA star stole the show thanks to her enigmatic personality and large social reach.
In the end, it was Nelly Korda’s accomplishments and Jeeno Thitikul’s triumph that were the true highlights of the closing season last year. Korda captured 7 titles throughout the year while Thitikul overcame the odds to win the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship and the $4 million prize money. While the players did their part extremely well, there is one other individual who also deserves as much credit for her efforts. The person we’re talking about is former LPGA Tour commissioner; Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
Samaan and her team helped the Tour reach new heights. The American Women’s Golf Tour saw increased TV ratings and major extensions of sponsor contracts. The LPGA Tour retained the CME Group for another couple of years to sponsor their season-ending event. But all those boons didn’t come easy for them as Samaan shared the challenges the new commissioner might face when they join the LPGA Tour.
