Craig Kessler is the 10th Commissioner of the LPGA, elected in May 2025 and officially taking charge on July 15, 2025
A former COO at the PGA of America and Topgolf, and ex-CEO of Buff City Soap, Kessler blends sports, media, and growth-stage leadership.
Here’s a polished, current look at his background, what he’s already said and done in the new role, and why players and sponsors are watching closely.
Also Read: John Daly’s Exciting Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through the Golf World
Table of Contents
Craig Kessler Named New LPGA Commissioner
The LPGA Tour, celebrating its landmark 75th anniversary in 2025, has turned a significant page in its history.1
On May 22, 2025, Craig Kessler was officially announced as the new Commissioner of the LPGA, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped down earlier in January.
This transition marks a new leadership chapter as the organization continues to grow in global popularity and influence in women’s sports.
Craig Kessler will formally assume his duties as the 10th Commissioner of the LPGA Tour on July 15, 2025.
Until then, Interim Commissioner Liz Moore will continue to guide the organization through this critical transition period.
Moore, who has held the interim position since January, has been instrumental in maintaining the LPGA’s operations while the search for a new commissioner was underway.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Craig Kessler’s upbringing laid the foundation for his leadership career. He was an ambitious student with a passion for learning and community service.
Kessler attended Georgetown University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, before pursuing an MBA from Harvard Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
These academic experiences not only sharpened his analytical and business skills but also prepared him for high-impact leadership roles in the future.
After completing his MBA, Craig Kessler joined the elite management consulting firm McKinsey & Company as a business analyst. At McKinsey, Kessler worked closely with top-tier clients across various industries, developing strategic solutions to complex organizational challenges.
His tenure at McKinsey was marked by high-performance problem-solving and a reputation for thoughtful leadership. The experience was pivotal in shaping his understanding of large-scale operations, strategy, and performance optimization.
Expanding His Leadership in the Private Sector
Following his time at McKinsey, Kessler made a name for himself in the private sector by taking on executive roles in various consumer-facing industries.2
One of his most notable contributions was as CEO of Buff City Soap, a rapidly expanding personal care brand based in Dallas, Texas.
Under Kessler’s leadership, Buff City Soap grew from 100 to 260 locations in a relatively short time. This explosive growth was fueled by his strategic focus on brand development, customer experience, and franchise expansion.
His ability to scale businesses demonstrated his talent for turning ambitious visions into reality.
Member of the Mavericks Advisory Board
Kessler’s ties to the sports world are not new. He served on the Advisory Board of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, where he provided guidance on business strategy and community outreach.
This role deepened his understanding of the sports industry and provided valuable experience in navigating the intersection of athletics, business, and culture.
His involvement with the Mavericks showed his commitment to promoting inclusive and progressive values within professional sports organizations.
The LPGA’s decision to appoint Craig Kessler as commissioner is being widely interpreted as a strategic move. With a proven track record in both corporate leadership and sports advisory, Kessler brings a fresh business-minded perspective to the organization.
His appointment aligns with the LPGA’s broader mission of expanding its global presence, enhancing commercial opportunities, and growing the game of golf among young women and girls.
Carrying the Torch After Mollie Marcoux Samaan
Kessler succeeds Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who served as LPGA Commissioner from 2021 to early 2025.
During her tenure, Samaan focused on elevating player earnings, increasing sponsorships, and advocating for gender equity in sports.
Craig Kessler is expected to build upon her legacy, while also introducing innovative business models and partnerships that align with the LPGA’s evolving goals.
He will need to balance tradition with modernization, ensuring the tour remains competitive and culturally relevant.
Challenges Ahead
Stepping into the commissioner’s role at a time of heightened visibility for women’s sports, Kessler faces several key challenges:
-
Increasing Global Sponsorships: Expanding partnerships beyond North America will be crucial for continued growth.
-
Media Rights and Broadcast Deals: Negotiating more lucrative and accessible media deals to increase exposure for players and events.
-
Player Welfare and Development: Improving resources for athletes on and off the course, including mental health support, travel logistics, and financial planning.
-
Youth Development Programs: Ensuring the LPGA connects with the next generation through outreach and grassroots initiatives.
Craig Kessler’s Vision for the Future
Though Kessler hasn’t yet outlined a full vision for his term, analysts expect him to prioritize commercial growth, digital innovation, and brand partnerships.3
His business acumen suggests he will seek to make the LPGA a more profitable and globally recognized entity.
His past work with fast-growing companies and sports franchises will likely influence how he approaches sponsorship strategy, fan engagement, and digital transformation.
Kessler’s appointment comes during a milestone year for the LPGA, which was founded in 1950. The organization has come a long way from its humble beginnings and now boasts a truly international roster of players and events.
With more women watching and playing golf than ever before, the LPGA stands at a critical inflection point.
As the LPGA celebrates 75 years of excellence, it also looks ahead to a new era—one that Craig Kessler will help define.
Player and Industry Reactions
- Initial reactions from players, sponsors, and industry experts have been cautiously optimistic.
- Many have praised Kessler’s background and expressed hope that his leadership will further elevate the profile of the women’s game.
- LPGA players in particular are looking forward to clear communication, increased prize money, and improved event logistics under his leadership.
- Several top players have stated they’re eager to meet Kessler and discuss his plans for the tour’s growth and development.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion will also remain key themes in Kessler’s agenda.
- The LPGA has long prided itself on being one of the most diverse sports leagues in the world.
- Kessler will be tasked with preserving and enhancing that legacy, ensuring that players from all backgrounds continue to thrive on the tour.
- He will also be expected to support ongoing efforts to make golf more accessible to women from underrepresented communities.
Also Read: Golf Legend Lee Trevino Shares His Foolproof Trick for Sinking Every Short Putt
Craig Kessler’s Lifelong Connection to the Game
Golf Was Our Summertime Babysitter”
Craig Kessler’s lifelong connection to golf began not on manicured greens, but at a place he fondly remembers as the “Cow Pasture.“
Officially known as Rancho Carlsbad, this humble patch of land had no real grass and none of the grandeur associated with the sport. Yet, it was there that a young Kessler fell in love with golf.
With long summer days stretching ahead, Kessler and his childhood friends would be dropped off at the Lakes San Marcos executive course by their mothers. For just $9, they enjoyed the freedom of playing unlimited rounds until sunset.
This was more than just a way to pass the time—it was a form of summer daycare, one that instilled in Kessler a deep and enduring passion for the sport. As he once described it: “Golf was our summertime babysitter.”
The Early Bond Between Golf and Friendship
For Kessler, those days weren’t just about perfecting his swing or chasing birdies; they were about camaraderie. The course became a social hub, a classroom, and a playground all at once.
Friendships were forged in sand traps and on putting greens, and the game became a foundation for personal growth.
Golf, by its very nature, teaches patience, etiquette, strategy, and resilience—lessons Kessler learned before he was even old enough to drive. It’s perhaps no coincidence that these values later defined his career in business and leadership.
Developing a Handicap and a Passion
Kessler didn’t just stick with golf out of nostalgia. He got good—very good. His handicap reportedly hovers around 5.5, marking him as an accomplished amateur.
But unlike many others who pick up the game later in life as a recreational pursuit, Kessler never had to “discover” golf—it was always a part of who he was.
That lifelong familiarity translated into a nuanced understanding of the sport’s culture, community, and challenges.
This understanding would serve him well as he transitioned from recreational golfer to executive in the business of golf.
From Fairways to Boardrooms
Kessler’s personal love for the game inevitably bled into his professional life.
From 2016 to 2021, he served as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Emerging Concepts at TopGolf, a revolutionary entertainment venue that blends traditional driving ranges with modern technology and hospitality.
Under Kessler’s leadership, TopGolf evolved into a popular destination not just for avid golfers, but also for casual players and newcomers to the game.
His role wasn’t just about managing operations; it was about redefining how golf could be experienced and expanding its appeal to younger, more diverse audiences.
Craig Kessler Influencing the Game’s Future
Kessler’s work at TopGolf brought him recognition as a creative and forward-thinking executive.
His innovative mindset made him a natural fit for roles that shape the future of golf. He currently serves on the boards of the National Golf Foundation and the UT Southwestern Hospital system.
These positions highlight his commitment not only to growing the sport, but also to contributing to his community.
More recently, Kessler held the role of CEO of the PGA of America, one of the most influential organizations in the sport.
The PGA of America is responsible for marquee events such as the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
Steering such a powerful institution signals a full-circle moment for someone who started as a kid playing for $9 a day.
A Golfing Family in Dallas
- Off the course and outside the office, Craig Kessler leads a vibrant family life in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Nicole, and their three sons.
- Unsurprisingly, golf plays a central role in their family routine. All three of his sons are avid golfers, continuing the tradition that shaped their father’s youth.
- One particularly heartwarming anecdote involves Kessler’s 9-year-old son, who has picked out a Lego set he hopes to give to World No. 1 Nelly Korda.
- Known for her own love of Legos, Korda uses the hobby to relax during her intense travel schedule.
- The gesture reflects not only the Kessler family’s love for the game but also their awareness of its current stars and culture.
- In this way, Kessler is passing down more than skills; he’s passing down values like perseverance, patience, and sportsmanship.
- It’s a continuation of his own story: just as golf provided structure and joy during his childhood summers, it now plays a central role in his children’s lives.
FAQ’s
1) When did Craig Kessler become LPGA Commissioner?
He was elected on May 22, 2025, and officially started on July 15, 2025.4
2) What did he do before the LPGA?
COO at the PGA of America; COO & Head of Emerging Concepts at Topgolf; CEO at Buff City Soap. 5
3) What are his early priorities?
Expand media exposure, strengthen sponsorships, improve the player experience, and grow global reach.6
4) Where does he live and what’s his family background?
Dallas, Texas; married to Nicole; they have three sons.
5) Is he an author?
Yes. He compiled and edited The Dad Advice Project, featuring letters from 40+ dads.7
Also Read: Adrian Meronk’s Stunning 3-Word Statement After Maiden LIV Golf Title
