February 17, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Today, the United States Golf Association announced that this summer outgoing LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan will become their Chief Executive Officer. Whan’s role will begin after he settles through a transition with the next LPGA Commissioner whereby a search is in progress.
Whan has led the LPGA for 11 years. His position, originally a 4-year term, was extended by the oldest professional women’s sports league due to his excellence in turning the LPGA into one of the top sports brands in the world.
During Whan’s leadership, the LPGA Tour advanced its schedule to 34 around the world events, an increase from their 24-event schedule. Prize purses also accelerated from $41.4 million to $76.5 million and the media coverage for TV quadrupled, growing from 125 per season to more than 500 hours in 170 countries.
When it comes to making deald, Whan inked recent partnership with the Ladies European Tour, bringing almost a 50% increase in the LPGA Professionals division. His advocacy work for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program was phenomenal, growing membership from 5,000 to more than 90,000 girls.
“Mike Whan is a proven, successful and transformative leader, not only in the golf industry but throughout his entire career,” said USGA President Stu Francis, who oversaw the CEO search process. “He has shown a unique ability to understand how the environment is changing in global golf and how to quickly and thoughtfully adapt an organization to meet those changes. Importantly, Mike is already a trusted peer for so many key stakeholders in the industry and his existing relationships will not only help the USGA but will also help advance the game.”
Whan acknowledged his upcoming new role with the USGA through a letter directed to LPGA staff and members. Whan said, “This opportunity came about much quicker than I had anticipated. But I’m excited about the opportunity to stay in golf and still be involved with the sport I love the most.…
“In this position, I will have the opportunity to work with the LPGA (which makes this new position even more exciting). As I’ve stated previously, I am committed to help the LPGA Board and Executive Staff work through the transition to new leadership, and as such, the USGA has agreed to a summer 2021 start date.”
For more information on the USGA visit https://www.usga.org/
