( CNN ) -- The LPGA Tour is seeking a new leader after controversial Commissioner Carolyn Bivens handed in her resignation following a display of player power . Commissioner Carolyn Bivens became increasingly unpopular with the LPGA Tour 's playing members . It announced on Tuesday that Rear Admiral Marsha J. Evans , a member of the board of directors , would stand in until a replacement could be found . Retired former world No . 1 golfer Annika Sorenstam will be helping the board in its quest . `` 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 , '' chairman Dawn Hudson said . `` As a board of players and independent directors , we wanted an Acting Commissioner with experience leading large organization , one who appreciates and listens to our player members and tournament owners , understands sponsors and their challenges and needs , and has a track record that commands respect . '' Bivens stood down a day after the U.S. Women 's Open was won by South Korea 's Eun Hee Ji , with the build-up to the tournament having been largely overshadowed by the row . World No . 1 Lorena Ochoa had been among 15 leading players who a week earlier signed a letter to the tour 's board of directors calling for Bivens to step down . The 56-year-old had been in charge since 2005 , when she became the first woman to hold the role in the LPGA 's 55-year history . The appointment was not popular , with seven high-ranking LPGA executives quitting in her first eight months in charge . She courted controversy last year when she announced an `` English-only '' speaking policy for players on the tour , which has become increasingly international with 45 players from South Korea alone -- and many have been claiming regular victories . The LPGA was forced to backtrack following storms of protest and bad publicity . In May , Bivens was criticized after being quoted as saying that players should use the social networking Web site Twitter during tournaments to keep fans updated with their progress . The LPGA quickly released a statement claiming she had been misquoted , but it raised the ire of the players . With difficult economic times , the tour has lost some key sponsors and tournaments -- there are only 10 events scheduled in the U.S. for next year . During Bivens ' tenure , the LPGA acquired the developmental Duramed FUTURES Tour and ownership of two tournaments : the LPGA Championship and the ADT Championship , which this year was canceled due to its sponsors ' financial problems . Bivens secured photo licensing rights in a deal with Getty Images and brokered TV rights contracts with two channels .
Getty Images seeks new Commissioner after Bivens stands down . Bivens resigned after 45 top women 's golfers demanded that she quit the role . She had been the first woman in the role in the U.S. 's 55-year history . Bivens took charge in 2005 but has often been the center of controversy .