After a six-month-long search, Craig Kessler has been appointed as the newest commissioner of the LPGA, the tour announced Thursday.
Kessler, 39, replaces interim commissioner Liz Moore, who stepped in when Mollie Marcoux Samaan resigned in December.
Appointed by an LPGA search committee and approved by players and sponsors alike, Kessler is the league’s 10th commissioner.
“This isn’t just about leading a sports organization — it’s about redefining what’s possible,” Kessler said in a statement. “This role is deeply personal to me — not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others.”
In Kessler’s first virtual press conference as incoming commissioner, he shared a broad vision for how he will lead in his new role. Kessler says he aims to build trust, with players, sponsors and the LPGA team. He intends to assure the visibility of the LPGA tour, beyond just the TV product. He pointed to the goal of building fans — those who root for the LPGA, not just those who watch it. And lastly, Kessler is committing to building a strong financial footing for the tour in its next 75 years.
While not disclosing details, Kessler responded to a question about potential discussions with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, with an open-ended statement: “Any organization that wants to elevate our athletes in the LPGA, I can’t wait to have a discussion with folks who are willing to do it.” The Ladies European Tour already partners with the PIF in its international team series.
Kessler most recently served as the chief operating officer of the PGA of America, which runs the PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup.
Before focusing on golf, Kessler got his start in consulting at McKinsey & Company and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. He also served as the chief operating officer at Topgolf from 2016 to 2021.
“We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA’s legacy and a clear vision of what’s possible for our future,” John B. Veihmeyer, chair of the LPGA board of directors, said in a statement.
Kessler’s appointment comes at an inflection point for the LPGA. Nelly Korda made tour history last year with a run of five consecutive wins, and since the pandemic, more women are taking an interest in recreational golf than ever.
Despite record-breaking LPGA purse sizes, the league has battled the departure of key sponsors and limited TV windows, which are governed by the PGA Tour’s contracts with networks. Players have been given spots in events for which they are not eligible, and a tournament, the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship, was cancelled earlier this season due to a payment dispute with the event’s underwriter. Since former commissioner Mike Whan left the LPGA in 2021, the general sentiment among players is that there is a lack of communication from tour leadership.
Kessler has not addressed LPGA membership in person, but recorded a video shared with players Thursday morning. He will be in attendance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas, from June 19-22.
(Photo: Handout / Courtesy of PGA of America)
