LPGA’s Votaw to Step Down

Ty Votaw said Friday he would step down as LPGA Tour commissioner after the 2005 season, ending a seven-year tenure highlighted by a strong, secure schedule that offers more prize money than ever.

“I feel very much at peace with this decision,” said Votaw, 42. “I feel very good about having given the LPGA everything I’ve got, and I feel good about the results.”

The LPGA has formed a search committee to find a successor.

The decision came as a surprise to several players, especially considering the state of the LPGA Tour.

Total prize money will top $45 million this year, up from $36.2 million in 1999. The tour’s top player, Annika Sorenstam, is one of the world’s most famous athletes, and the future includes such promising stars as 15-year-old Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said Votaw made an impact.

“The LPGA is better off significantly having had his leadership the last six years,” Finchem said. “I think he has maximized, if not 100%, then close to 100% of the product and has it going in a positive direction.”