Laura Davies pays tribute to Mike Whan after LPGA chief executive steps down

[ASFN Admin]

Laura Davies has led the tributes to the Mike Whan, the LPGA Tour chief executive who announced on Wednesday that he is standing down. Not only has the American been credited with saving the US circuit during his 11-year reign, but also with rescuing the Ladies European Tour from potential extinction. If it is possible to gauge the influence of a departing boss from the weight of praise then Whan must be regarded as one of the most important characters in the history of the women’s professional game. “The LPGA is poised for even greater heights; and as such, I’m excited to hand the baton to the next leader,” Whan said, revealing in a letter to players that he only arrived at the decision after “many, many months of deep introspection”. The Tour has set up a selection committee. Nobody expected the news that the personable 55-year-old is to step down at some point in 2021. Nancy Lopez, the legendary major winner, admitted she cried when Wang rang to tell her and Juli Inkster, the record-breaking US Solheim Cup captain revealed why. “I think he saved the LPGA,” Inkster told Golf Week. “It was in dire straits when he took over. The players, they lost their trust. The LPGA was very close to folding, and he brought it back to life and now it’s thriving.” Davies concurs. “It’s extraordinary how good the tour looks for this year and how he managed,” the Englishwoman said. “All the big decisions were the correct decisions.” The stats back up the plaudits. In 2010, the LPGA had only 24 official events–– its smallest schedule in nearly 40 years – and just $41.4 million in prize money. This year’s it boasts 34 events and a record $76.45 million in prize money. But his effect on the game does not end in the US. Late in 2019, the LPGA linked up with the cash-strapped LET and to say the timing was vital is an understatement. “The LET has been turning a corner, with an exciting future finally clearer, and its leadership has been a pivotal part of that,” Meg MacLaren, the two-time LET winner told Telegraph Sport on Tuesday. “But the Covid crisis could have undone all of that and then some. It’s no exaggeration to say that without the partnership, Covid could have seen the LET fold completely. And I can’t see this partnership having happened with someone else in charge of LPGA, other than Mike.”

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