After 11 years at the helm, the longest-tenured commissioner in the history of the LPGA has made a surprise announcement to step down in 2021.
Since the news broke, many players have reacted to the news, each praising Mike Whan for keeping the tour together through the global coronavirus pandemic and coming out stronger on the other side. For perspective, when Whan took over in 2010, the tour hosted 24 tournaments with official prize money at $41.4 million. The schedule for 2021 is loaded with 34 events and a record $76.45 million in prize money up for grabs.
Take a scroll through Whan’s time as the commissioner of the LPGA.
Mike Whan announced LPGA commissioner
Mike Whan is announced as the new commissioner of the LPGA on October 28, 2009 in…
Mike Whan is announced as the new commissioner of the LPGA on October 28, 2009 in New York City. (Photo: Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
Mike Whan Golfweek cover 2009
Mike Whan, Golfweek cover. (Nov. 7, 2009)
Mike Whan 2010 Evian Masters
Mike Whan at a press conference prior to the 2010 Evian Masters.
Mike Whan Evian Masters 2011
Mike Whan at the announcement that the Evian Masters will become a major tournament, at the…
Mike Whan at the announcement that the Evian Masters will become a major tournament, at the Evian Masters golf club on July 20, 2011 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Mike Whan 2015 CME Championship
Mike Whan speaks to the media on Nov. 20, 2015 at the season-ending CME Championship in…
Mike Whan speaks to the media on Nov. 20, 2015 at the season-ending CME Championship in Naples, Fla. (Photo: Gabriel Roux, LPGA)
Mike Whan The Players Championship
Former PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, Erik Anderson of Topgolf and Mike Whan speak with the…
Former PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, Erik Anderson of Topgolf and Mike Whan speak with the media in 2016.
Mike Whan Lili Alvarez caddie
Mike Whan as a caddie for Lili Alvarez during the first round of the Duramed Futures…
Mike Whan as a caddie for Lili Alvarez during the first round of the Duramed Futures Tour's season-opening Florida's Natural Charity Classic in 2016.
Mike Whan LPGA Rolex Players Awards
Commissioners Award recipient Roberta Bowman poses with Mike Whan during the LPGA Rolex Players Awards at…
Commissioners Award recipient Roberta Bowman poses with Mike Whan during the LPGA Rolex Players Awards at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort on November 16, 2017 in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Mike Whan 2019 LPGA #DriveOn Announcement
Mike Whan speaks during the LPGA Announcement of new brand positioning encouraging girls to #DriveOn at…
Mike Whan speaks during the LPGA Announcement of new brand positioning encouraging girls to #DriveOn at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge on March 20, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo: Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images for LPGA)
Mike Whan LPGA Commissioner
LPGA commissioner Michael Whan speaks to the crowd during the trophy ceremony of the CME Group…
LPGA commissioner Michael Whan speaks to the crowd during the trophy ceremony of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on December 20, 2020 in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
