LPGA’s desperate hunt for a new commissioner started with Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s resignation announcement in late 2024. While the circuit continued its search for a new key figure, Liz Moore was tabbed as the LPGA’s interim commissioner. In April, the search narrowed down to two names: Alex Baldwin and Craig Kessler, with the latter coming on top with the latest LPGA announcement. However, who exactly is the LPGA’s new commissioner, the man who says, “I will be wherever the job requires?” 

Craig Kessler, 39, holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. He grew up in Southern California, where he developed a passion for golf and currently has a handicap of 5.5. Kessler’s three sons, ages 5,7, and 9, actively participate in the sport as well. In fact, his nine-year-old son plans to gift a Lego set to Nelly Korda at the upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA. Undoubtedly, passion for golf runs deep in the family. However, Craig Kessler’s journey started slightly on a different note.

Kessler started his career at McKinsey & Company, where he gained essential consulting experience. He then took on leadership roles at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Providence Equity Partners, spending six years as an operating partner and building a strong track record in evaluating investments and collaborating with management.

After his time in private equity, Kessler worked as Chief Operating Officer at Topgolf from 2016 to 2021, where he significantly contributed to the company’s growth in sports, entertainment, and technology. He later became the Chief Executive Officer of Buff City Soap, successfully leading its expansion from 100 to 260 stores. However, the LPGA’s 10th commissioner‘s first big break in golf came with the PGA of America in 2023.

Kessler joined the PGA of America as Chief Operating Officer just over two years ago, where he manages all operations for the 30,000-member organization, including its non-profit foundation. In 2024, as per Sports Business Journal, he became a candidate for the CEO position, but the organization decided to hire a PGA member, resulting in Derek Sprague’s appointment.

Kessler received the SBJ Forty Under 40 honor for 2025 as a rising golf star in golf’s executive ranks. He also holds board-level experience with the National Golf Foundation, UT Southwestern hospital system, and the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board. Now, he’ll be handling the LPGA circuit.

Kessler will officially take on the role on July 15, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who resigned in January 2025. Liz Moore will continue serving as Interim Commissioner until that date. However, when that happens, how will Craig Kessler handle the LPGA pressure?

How does Craig Kessler plan to lead the LPGA?

Of course, Craig Kessler’s appointment comes at an important period for the LPGA. In 2024, for instance, Nelly Korda made history by securing five consecutive victories, and more women have shown increased interest in recreational golf since the pandemic. Of course, at such a pivotal moment, the LPGA circuit is seeing several changes (and problems) inside the organisation.

Although the LPGA has achieved record-high purse amounts ($131M), it has faced challenges such as losing significant sponsors and experiencing limited television coverage due to the PGA Tour’s network contracts. Some players received invitations to events for which they do not qualify–although LPGA never confirmed the name, the German golfer, Sophia Popov, said it was her. In 2025, Popov went on to play in the Founders Cup, Honda LPGA Thailand, and HSBC Women’s World Championship. Additionally, earlier this season, the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship was canceled because of a financial dispute with the event’s sponsor. So, how does Craig Kessler plan to tackle such massive issues?

“I think organizations that are too nice to one another never realize their full potential. Organizations that recognize feedback is a gift, is critical,” Craig Kessler said. Of course, Kesller explained that with an analogy.

Craig Kessler emphasizes the importance of collaboration in leadership by using the analogy of a quarterback and a wide receiver. He suggests that when a play results in an incomplete pass, the players have two choices: they can blame each other for the failure, or they can come together, discuss what went wrong, and work as a team to improve for the future. Kessler hopes to create a culture that resembles the latter approach, focusing on teamwork and mutual support instead of assigning blame.

Perhaps it’s Kessler’s charming way of addressing issues (or suggesting solutions) that Stacy Lewis, the 2x major champion, said, “I just like the guy. He did all of this with a smile on his face. He was excited about the opportunity. He didn’t beat around the bush. He answered every question we asked and if he didn’t know the answer, he was going to find it.” He is halfway through–undoubtedly.

However, whether the LPGA circuit will see an even better future with Craig Kessler as its leader remains to be seen; until then, congratulations to the new LPGA commissioner!