The LPGA, founded in 1950, didn’t hire its first commissioner until 1975. Babe Zaharias’ business manager, Fred Corcoran, was the tournament manager of the newly-formed tour 75 years ago, and Patty Berg was the first president. But it wasn’t until Ray Volpe, in the mid-70s, insisted on having the title of “commissioner” and answering to a board of directors that the current system was put into place.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan was named the ninth commissioner in May 2021. The former Princeton athletic director announced she was stepping down on Dec. 2, 2024.
Here’s a look at the history of all nine LPGA commissioners:
Mollie Marcoux Samaan, 2021-2024
The LPGA’s second female commissioner held the post for a little more than three years.
Mike Whan, 2010-2021
The current U.S. Golf Association CEO had the longest run of any LPGA commissioner. He came in and saved the tour from utter collapse, taking the LPGA back to its “act like a founder” roots. Whan restored confidence with checkwriters and rebuilt player trust.
Carolyn Bivens, 2005-2009
The LPGA’s first female commissioner was driven out by the players after losing a large number of events. Bivens struggled with relationships in all aspects of the job.
Ty Votaw, 1999-2005
Votaw first joined the LPGA as the tour’s general counsel in 1991 and was promoted a year later as LPGA commissioner Charles Mechem’s special assistant. After serving as vice president of business affairs, he became commissioner in 1999. He left the tour in 2005 to work for the PGA Tour, where he played a key role in golf’s reinstatement as an Olympic sport.
Jim Ritts, 1996-1999
The co-founder of the television program “Channel One News” had a short, three-year stint as head of the LPGA before resigning to take a job of COO at Digital Entertainment Network Inc. Ritz helped increase television exposure for the LPGA during his tenure.
Charlie S. Mechem, 1991-1995
A former chairman and chief executive officer of Taft Broadcasting and Great American Broadcasting Company from 1967 to 1990, Mechem came in with extensive connections and media insight. Backed by good friend Jack Nicklaus, the Yale Law School grad and former Army captain was also a personal business advisor to the late Arnold Palmer.
William A. Blue, 1988-1990
Blue and the tour parted ways during the 1990 season after a less than two-year stint. The former marketing executive had little experience in golf and struggled with key relationships.
John D. Laupheimer, 1982-1988
Laupheimer, former president of the Pennsylvania Golf Association, was executive director of administration at the USGA before coming to the LPGA. Laupheimer relocated the tour’s headquarters to Sugar Land, Texas, in 1982. Purses escalated from $6.4 million to nearly $14 million during his tenure.
Ray Volpe, 1975-1982
Volpe was hired in 1975 as the tour’s first commissioner and insisted on the creation of a board of trustees and player council. The tour, coming off of a costly legal battle against Jane Blalock and nearly broke, benefitted greatly from Volpe’s connections in the marketing world. He set the stage for Nancy Lopez to shine.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA commissioners through the years
