ORLANDO — The 2025 LPGA season kicks off this week with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, a 32-player field with plenty of star power, hype, and fanfare.
But the dawn of this new season also features plenty of trepidation. Former LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan officially resigned earlier this month, and the board has not yet selected a new leader. Instead, Chief Legal and Technology Officer Liz Moore remains the Interim Commissioner, a role with a bevy of responsibilities considering the issues that plagued the LPGA in 2024. The Solheim Cup transportation gaffe comes to mind, and so does the glacial pace of play. But more importantly, the LPGA has seen sponsors pull out of tournaments, a startling sign despite the overwhelming rise in popularity across women’s sports.
That’s why Annika Sorenstam, the greatest female player of all time, should assume the role of Commissioner. But the 10-time major winner would never do it and said so on Tuesday at Lake Nona Golf Club when asked by SB Nation.
Still, Sorenstam knows what this position entails and what it takes to lead such a prestigious organization.
“I think when you look it’s important to have somebody that can communicate. You have to communicate with a lot of people. You got the players, media, partners, and fans. It’s a complex job I think for a lot of reasons, but I have no doubt they’re going to take their time and find the right person,” Sorenstam said.
“I think women’s sports are an amazing place right now. A lot of opportunity. A lot of upside in so many ways. You talk to a lot of the players week after week, you see what kind of great athletes they are and individuals. I think it will be an exciting job for somebody that’s willing to take that on.”
If only Sorenstam could take it on. She is one of the most prominent people in all of golf, not just the LPGA. She empathizes with various issues, such as television exposure, sponsors, and scheduling. Heck, another reporter in the media center even quipped that she should have assumed the role of LPGA Commissioner a decade ago.
But Sorenstam is a mother first and foremost and did not want to commit to playing full-time. There’s a reason why she stepped away from the LPGA almost two decades ago now. Yet, she still has that drive to compete, so that’s why she’s playing in the celebrity division of this week’s Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
“It’s fun for me to still be able to somewhat compete,” Sorenstam said.
“I know we’re not in the same competition as them but I will be playing with some LPGA players. Just to have a foot in the game, I love that. As you know I really still enjoy the game.”
Indeed, Sorenstam continues to love, support, and cherish the LPGA in any way she can. She still believes in the future of the women’s game, despite the issues the organization has faced.
“It’s an interesting time for the LPGA,” Sorenstam said.
“I don’t want to be the commissioner, but if you have a crystal ball, we all want to be seen and heard, whether that’s TV or any kind of exposure. The more, the better.”
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.
