Daytona Beach, FL (My Sportsbook) - The LPGA Tour announced Monday that commissioner Carolyn Bivens has resigned and Marsha Evans, a retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, will take over as acting commissioner.

Evans, known as Marty, will act as the commissioner, but stated during a Monday press conference that she will not seek the job on a full-time basis.

"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," said Dawn Hudson, chairman of the LPGA's board of directors.

Bivens' resignation comes on the heels of a player uprising.

A group of top players that included Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Juli Inkster, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr, penned a letter recently asking the LPGA's board to remove Bivens from her post.

The players, some of whom confirmed they signed the letter, were unhappy with Bivens' performance, especially as the tour lost seven tournaments since 2007. Bivens was hired in 2005 and had two years left on her contract.

"We respect her decision and more importantly appreciate the unwavering commitment she has provided this organization," said Hudson.

During Bivens' tenure as commissioner, the tour acquired the developmental Duramed Futures Tour, and secured ownership of the LPGA Championship.

But her time as commissioner was also marked by a series of controversies, including a decree last year that the LPGA would require all of its players to learn and speak English by the end of 2009 or face suspension.

Immediately unpopular -- the tour has a large and talented international contingent, including many highly-ranked Koreans -- the idea was squashed amid mounting criticism.

Evans, who had a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy and is one of a handful of women to reach the rank of Rear Admiral, has run the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts of the USA and has been associated with the tour since 2007.

"I first became acquainted with the LPGA during my service as the national executive director of Girl Scouts of USA, when that organization became partner with the LPGA to offer golf lessons to girl scouts." Evans said. "I saw the power of girls engaging in sports and I witnessed first-hand the impact of LPGA golfers as role models for girls and young women.

"Since then, it has been my distinct honor to serve first as a member of the commissioners advisory council in 2007-08 and this year as a member of the board of directors."

In other news relating to the LPGA Tour, Annika Sorenstam has agreed to become an advisor to the tour's board of directors.

Zayra Calderon, the tour's senior vice president of worldwide sales and CEO of the Duramed Futures Tour, has been promoted to executive vice president- tournament development and worldwide sales. She will assume responsibilities for all tournaments business affairs, working closely with tournament owners and title sponsors to secure renewals and new events.

Also, Bill Susetka, who recently retired from the LPGA as its chief marketing officer, was nominated to step into Evans' position on the board of director pending ratification by the player body.

Christina Kim, a two-time winner on the LPGA and a member of the 2005 Solheim Cup team, was selected by her fellow players earlier this year to serve on the board.

"It has been a very interesting last 10 days, in juggling the U.S. Women's Open and several conference calls," said Kim. "I have to tell you I am so thrilled right now with the decisions we have made, having Marty coming in as the acting commissioner. I haven't met anyone more compassionate, more compelling and with so much passion for our organization."