Mike Whan Gets Long-Term Extension As LPGA Commissioner

LPGA Commissioner MIKE WHAN has signed a long-term contract extension, and it is "great news" for the tour, according to Golf Channel's Randall Mell. He "may be their greatest asset in rebuilding this Tour from what was a sinking ship when he took over in 2010 with just 23 events" and $40M in prize money. Now, the tour has 33 events and $70M in prize money, and "they've grown in so many ways." Golf Channel's Lisa Cornwell: "No doubt the players were probably very vocal in wanting to get this deal done." Golf Channel's Anna Whiteley said Whan "has been a gold standard for the LPGA." Golf Channel's Robert Damron said Whan's extension "means the LPGA Board likes money," because he "moved in on a sinking ship." Damron: "They were struggling for sponsors and they were losing tournaments ... and for him to take that and turn it into this successful, expanding tour is incredible." Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner said Whan has had a "transformative legacy" ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 11/20).