Mike Whan - © LPGA

Whan communicated his decision today to LPGA staff, members and sponsors in the attached letter, including the following messages

“When I first joined the LPGA, I told the Board it would be a four year term, which gives me time to help the organization achieve its immediate goals. Today, as the longest serving LPGA Commissioner, I look back over 11 years with tremendous pride and satisfaction at what we have accomplished together and empowering women to realize their golf dreams. "

“You may be wondering why I made the decision to quit - and why now? In many ways, the past year - with all the challenges posed by the pandemic - has also been the LPGA's most triumphant. We enter 2021 on a wave of momentum - a strong program with record endowments, new events / sponsors, double-digit growth in attendance and a talented team that has demonstrated competence, resilience and exceptional ability to navigate difficult times. "

“I just wouldn't quit the LPGA if I thought the future was uncertain or the trend wasn't up. In fact, even after the challenges we faced in 2020, the LPGA has NEVER been more secure financially, stronger than ever in its leadership skills, nor more grounded by passionate and diverse sponsors around the world. The LPGA is on the verge of reaching even higher heights; and as such, I am excited to pass the baton on to the next leader and become their greatest supporter. "

“One of the most difficult jobs for a leader is knowing when their job is done. If I have learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that the executive staff at the LPGA have complete control of our business and are capable of incredible things. We have leaders who are visionary, compassionate, cooperative and humble. You might not agree with every decision they make, but they've taken our tours to new heights virtually every year. "

Click here to read the letter in full.

LPGA Board Chair Diane Gulyas said: “Mike Whan has been a transformational leader of the LPGA and we have been fortunate enough to hold him for 11 years. When he told me about his intention to step down this year, I had two reactions: First, can we persuade him to stay? And, when that was not possible, to fully respect his decision and begin a smooth transition. "

“Mike Whan's legacy of leadership will last for years to come: in the financial strength and value proposition of the LPGA; in its global reach; in the scope of programs and services it now offers to women and girls in the field of golf; and in the diversity and quality of companies wishing to be associated with the LPGA. He has effectively guided the LPGA through a series of cycles and economic challenges, most notably the COVID 19 pandemic. And he has been the voice of our association and its commitment to supporting opportunities for women in golf. "

"Mike Whan was the right leader at the right time", said Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, president of the LPGA Tour players. “He rebuilt the Tour - and then re-imagined its future - bringing new events, new sponsors and a new value proposition around diversity and inclusion to the LPGA. He has this rare ability to generate enthusiasm and buy-in from people of all ages and from all walks of life for his vision. We are grateful for his leadership over those 11 years and we know he will remain an LPGA defender long after he leaves. "

Marvol Barnard, president of the 1800 LPGA Teaching Professionals, said: “When Mike joined the LPGA in 2010, we were basically a touring and teaching division. Today, we are a larger, broader and more integrated organization dedicated to women of golf of all ages and abilities. Mike will always be an incredibly important person in the history of LPGA professionals, and we will always be grateful for his leadership, vision and guidance. "

Mr Gulyas said the board will establish a commissioner selection and transition committee and will review nominations from talented members of the LPGA's executive staff as well as those outside the organization. "It is clear that the LPGA today is a very different association than the one Mike joined in 2010", Mr. Gulyas said. “Our commitment to the LPGA - and all of our stakeholders - is to find the right leader to guide the Association through this next chapter in its history. "

“We are very grateful to Mike Whan for his passion and leadership in the LPGA during more than a decade of service as Commissioner. He will leave the LPGA in a good position to continue its success, with an exceptional leadership team and a strong and sustained culture - Act Like A Founder - that will endure for years to come. "

To know more : https://www.lpga.com/