Marketing executive of golf and hockey equipment hired as LPGA commissioner

Whan selected new LPGA commissioner

NEW YORK — The LPGA Tour has picked Michael Whan to be its new commissioner, turning to a marketing executive in golf and hockey equipment to help rebuild relationships with sponsors.

Whan formerly worked for TaylorMade and Wilson golf companies and most recently was president of Mission-Itech Hockey. He was introduced Wednesday morning at a press conference at Madison Square Garden.

He was selected following a three-month search to replace Carolyn Bivens, whom the players forced out in July as the LPGA Tour kept losing sponsors.

Acting commissioner Marty Evans is to stay on the rest of the year, and Whan will start in January.