The golf world was left stunned when Annika Sorenstam publicly backed Larry Scott, the former Pac-12 commissioner, to lead the LPGA. A move that sparked both shock and outrage among sports fans. Many even questioned whether Scott’s troubled past would make him a liability for the 75-year-old organization. For context, Larry Scott’s leadership in Pac-12 was marred by controversy, including struggles with TV revenue and the failed launch of the network. The news was met with a chorus of criticism, with some, like University of Washington coach Mary Lou Mulflur, calling it “laughable” that Sorenstam would endorse a candidate who oversaw the decline of the Pac-12 conference. As the debate raged on, one thing was clear: Scott’s appointment would be a contentious one, with his legacy as a commissioner hanging precariously in the balance.
In a recent episode of The Mixed Bag on Spotify, Angela Stanford, the new Solheim Cup captain, shed some light on the ongoing search for the LPGA’s new commissioner, a position that Larry Scott is surprisingly in the running for. When asked about the search process, Stanford revealed that the LPGA has hired Elevate to help with the search, saying, “We’ve hired Elevate to help us with this process and they have been actually amazing.”
She also praised Elevate’s expertise, noting “I love their knowledge, I love that they understand, they listen, they wanted to know what we’re looking for.” While Stanford didn’t directly address Scott’s candidacy, her comments on the search process seemed to hint at a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach. “We have tremendous candidates in there and looking forward to going through all this process,” she said. When asked about the timeline for the announcement, Stanford replied, “Our goal is mid-May… whoever we get into the position, we want them to be able to hit the ground running.”
However, when directly asked about Scott’s potential candidacy, Stanford dodged the question with a humorous response, saying, “What did you guys have breakfast today? So, we have tremendous candidates in there and looking forward to going through all this process, and I feel confident that we’re gonna have a great person, male or female, in there.”
This lighthearted deflection left many wondering if Scott’s baggage would ultimately disqualify him from the position, but what is the reason behind this response? Well, we can think of a few.
Why are golfers not speaking up for Larry Scott?
The departure of USC and UCLA from the Pac-12 Conference in 2022 sparked a heated debate about the leadership of former commissioner Larry Scott. While some praised Scott’s innovative approach to marketing and media rights, others criticized his decision to launch the Pac-12 Networks without a major broadcast partner. The gamble, which was meant to give the conference more control and profits, ultimately failed to pay off, leaving the Pac-12 trailing behind other Power Five conferences in terms of revenue and national exposure. “If we do this right,” Scott recalled telling his university presidents, “it will be successful.” However, the network struggled to gain traction, and Scott’s prediction of success never materialized.
As the golf world considers Scott’s candidacy for the LPGA commissioner position, many are wondering why more golfers aren’t speaking up in his defense. While Annika Sorenstam has publicly backed Scott, others have been surprisingly quiet. Perhaps it’s because Scott’s tenure at the Pac-12 was marked by controversy and perceived missteps, leaving some to question his ability to lead a major golf organization.
“One criticism I’ve heard about Larry Scott in the industry is that he always wants to be the smartest guy in the room,” said Patrick Rishe, director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis. “You wonder if he tried to out-think this one.” Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Scott’s appointment as LPGA commissioner would be a contentious one, with many in the golf world still skeptical about his leadership abilities. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!
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