Marketing Specialist Whan Named LPGA Commissioner

October 28, 2009 5:48 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - The LPGA officially introduced Michael Whan as its new commissioner Wednesday at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Whan, 44, whose name never surfaced publicly in the selection process, was approved as the Tour's next leader following a vote of the organization's Board of Directors Tuesday.

Formerly connected with TaylorMade and Wilson golf companies, Whan, who comes to the tour from Mission-ITECH Hockey, a company catering to hockey enthusiasts, takes over acting commissioner Marty Evans.

Evans was named interim head of the Tour following the ouster of Carolyn Bivens, who was forced out by players in July. Evans will stay on the rest of year, as part of the transition process.

Whan's task is cut of for him with the LPGA facing considerable challenges.

His strong marketing credentials and golf background will be an advantage as he tackles his primary goals of increasing sponsorship interest in the tour as well as awareness of the sport.

The LPGA is slated to hold 27 tournaments this year, down from last year's schedule of 34.

It also announced just 18 tournaments as under contract for next year.

Whan will officially assume his duties on Jan. 4, 2010.