It turns out Ty Votaw did not just resign his LPGA commissioner’s post just to leave. He left to become a PGA Tour higher up.

Votaw is set to assume a high-ranking post in the PGA Tour that will essentially make him Commissioner Tim Finchem’s right-hand man, an industry source told TravelGolf.com. When Votaw first announced in early January that he would be stepping down, there was immediate speculation of a PGA jump. Votaw denied all the talk and it died down.

Just a few weeks ago at the Women’s World Match Play, Votaw told TravelGolf.com, he did not know if his future plans would include a sports post. This even as Votaw was informing a few people in the industry that the PGA Tour move was imminent, with the deal all but done, according to TravelGolf.com’s source.

Apparently, Michelle Wie is not the only one who looks at the PGA Tour as the real challenge. Apparently, TravelGolf.com’s Tim McDonald and Rebel Blogger are not the only ones who look at the LPGA as minor league.

The LPGA’s own long-touted, purse-boosting, saving-face commissioner has apparently turned the LPGA top spot into a stepping stone to the PGA Tour. It will be interesting to see how women’s golf defenders try to spin this one.

And will Votaw admit how long this has been in the works when he takes the PGA post? Or will he claim all the discussions took place in the few days since he’s left LPGA office?

Stay tuned.