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LPGA leadership continues shakeup with Epson Tour chief now also head of sales

beth ann nichols, golfweek
·2 min read

The LPGA has parted ways with Nicole Metzger, who was hired by former commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan two years ago as the new Chief Sales and Partnerships Officer.

The tour has confirmed to Golfweek that Jody Brothers has stepped in to fill that role, expanding his role as the current chief business and operations officer of the Epson Tour. Brothers was hired two years ago by Marcoux Samaan to oversee all aspects of the tour, inside and outside the ropes.

"Jody has helped build and lead an exceptional Epson Tour team," said an LPGA spokesperson. "Their expertise and dedication will continue to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the tour remain effective and seamless under Jody's leadership."

Prior to joining the LPGA, Brothers spent 16 years at the PGA Tour, working most recently as vice president of business development.

Eiichi Abe of Seiko Epson Corporation, Anna Redding of the United States, and Jody Brothers of Epson Corporation pose with a check for the Epson Community Achievement award during LPGA Card Ceremony after the final round of The Epson Tour Championship at LPGA International on October 8, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Eiichi Abe of Seiko Epson Corporation, Anna Redding of the United States, and Jody Brothers of Epson Corporation pose with a check for the Epson Community Achievement award during LPGA Card Ceremony after the final round of The Epson Tour Championship at LPGA International on October 8, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

While the tour has never played for more money in its 75-year history, there's still cause for concern after peeling back the layers.

Last week, the LPGA canceled the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship, noting in a statement that the underwriter had failed to fulfill any portion of its payment obligations to the LPGA for both 2024 and 2025. This year's event, slated for March 20-23, was scheduled to be held at Palos Verdes Golf Club and feature a $2 million purse.

While the schedule gets most of the attention, the bottom line of the tour's operating budgets also tells a story. Late last year, multiple sources confirmed to Golfweek that the tour was slated to lose around $2 million in 2024.

As the LPGA continues its search for a new commissioner, interim commissioner Liz Moore will guide the tour into its 76th season. The 2025 season gets underway this week at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida.

A new commissioner is expected to come on board sometime after the first quarter.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Epson Tour chief Jody Brothers expands role to lead LPGA sales