LPGA annnounces big changes, Sorenstam gets role

MIAMI (Reuters) - The LPGA Tour announced sweeping changes on Monday with commissioner Carolyn Bivens resigning and being replaced on a temporary basis by Marsha J. Evans, a member of the LPGA's board of directors.

Ten-times major champion Annika Sorenstam was appointed as an advisor to the board of directors while the association embarks on a search for a full-time commissioner.

"We'll soon have in place a commissioner to lead us into 2010 and beyond, but until then, it's important that we immediately appoint an acting commissioner whom we know and trust," board chairman Dawn Hudson said in a statement.

Evans is a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral.

Two weeks ago, several LPGA players sent a letter to the LPGA board calling for Bivens to resign amid concern about the health of the tour in the face of the economic downturn.

The women's tour has lost seven tournaments since 2007, including all three in Hawaii, and numerous others are up for renewal at the end of the year.

Sorenstam, widely regarded as the best female player of all time, will assist the LPGA with on-going discussions with tournaments and sponsors.

"I will do everything possible to ensure that the LPGA remains the pre-eminent women's sports association in the world," said the Swede, who retired from competitive golf last year after winning 90 titles worldwide.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Turnberry, Scotland; Editing by Ed Osmond)