LPGA earns prestigious honor, named one of best places to work in all of sports

The LPGA received notable recognition this week as the women’s game continues to grow.

Sports Business Journal recognized the LPGA as one of the best places to work in sports due to its outstanding leadership and high employee satisfaction.

“This recognition confirms what we have known for years: We are committed to our mission of becoming the world leader in women’s golf, and we are committed to using our unique platform to empower girls and women. , we have an incredibly talented team who are committed to inspiring and promoting opportunities and beyond the golf course,” LPGA Commissioner Molly Marcoux Samaan said in a statement.

“I am extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together so far, and as we continue to invest in our growth and expand our impact, we are adding more talent to our team.” We look forward to welcoming them to our team and helping us further our mission and deliver even more value to our members, fans, and partners.”

Marcou Samaan will replace Mike Wang as LPGA Commissioner in 2021.

Since taking office, Marcou Samaan has seen LPGA funding grow to record highs. The total value of all LPGA events this year is a record $116.55 million, up from $102.35 million in 2023.

Additionally, Wang, who is currently CEO of the USGA, helped create additional opportunities for the U.S. Women’s Open.

On February 1, 2024, the USGA and Ally Financial announced a partnership to increase the prize money for the U.S. Women’s Open to $12 million, the largest of any women’s professional golf event.

“When I left the LPGA, [in 2021], I told some good friends that I promised them that I would continue to lead as best I could. The best I can do at the USGA is this tournament, the U.S. Women’s Open. It’s a really noteworthy event,” Wang said in an exclusive interview with Playing Through.

“this [partnership] It allows us to keep buying wallets and selling TVs. ”

Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

Having spent more than a decade in charge of the LPGA, Wang knows the importance of growing the women’s game.

“The LPGA is about as healthy as I’ve seen it in any period of time,” Wang added.

“It’s a global thing. Players are coming from all over the world, so there’s going to be more TV rights. They’re selling TV rights all over the world. In 2024, more than ever before. They’re going to get more TV time and more tournament time. And they’re playing for more money than ever before.”

The LPGA received a lot of attention last month when Rose Chan and Lexi Thompson became the first women to play on the LPGA. capital ones game. Both athletes shine with their infectious personalities while inspiring young women around the world.

But having Chan and Thompson playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Max Homa is a testament to the LPGA’s continued growth under Marcou Samaan’s leadership. It’s never been this strong.

There is still much work to be done to grow the women’s game.

But at the very least, seeing the LPGA win this prestigious award is impressive in itself and a testament to the strength of the organization.

Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.