This one is a total stunner. LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said Wednesday that he will step down sometime this year.
Whan, who recently completed his 11th year at the helm of the LPGA, recently notified the tour’s board of directors of his decision but there is no date set for his departure.
In a letter to LPGA staff, members and sponsors, Whan said that he reached his decision after “many, many months of deep introspection.”
“I simply wouldn’t leave the LPGA if I thought the future was uncertain or not trending straight up,” he wrote. “In fact, even after the challenges we faced in 2020, the LPGA has NEVER been more financially secure, deeper in leadership talent, or more anchored by passionate, diverse sponsors from all around the world. The LPGA is poised for even greater heights, and as such, I’m excited to hand the baton to the next leader and become their biggest supporter.”
Shocking!
U.S. Amateur Champ Tyler Strafaci Turning Pro Later This Year:
Tyler Strafaci, winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship last year at Bandon Dunes, is skipping his final semester of eligibility at Georgia Tech and will turn pro later this year.
First, he will remain an amateur for part of this year. He has a spot in the Masters and U.S. Open and is exempt into five PGA Tour events — The Genesis, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, the Memorial and the Charles Schwab Challenge.
The 22-year-old from Davie, Fl. will also play in the Walker Cup Matches in May, to be held at ritzy Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach.
It is expected that he’ll turn professional after the Walker Cup.
4 Comments
baxter cepeda
There was a second of shock but it’s really no surprise.
Whan was always positioning himself for bigger and better things eventually; simply by doing a good job for the lpga.
He came in at the perfect time, when the tie was really struggling following questionable leadership, and leaves in the midst of a long steady climb.
He surely has had some amazing new opportunities coming his way; now is just the time to take one.
Tom Edrington
Hopefully, as effective as Mike has been, they will task him with finding a suitable replacement, he’s a tough act to follow.
baxter cepeda
You have to assume his hands will be all over the next lpga Commish (not literally)
Tom Edrington
Will be interesting to see where the search leads…..