The row over a golf magazine's controversial decision to publish a cover shoot with a semi-dressed Paulina Gretzky immediately before the first women's major of the season has escalated after the commissioner of the LPGA condemned the move.

Gretzky, the daughter of the ice hockey legend Wayne, has recently taken up golf and is the fiancee of the men's world No10, Dustin Johnson, and a regular visitor to PGA Tour events. A string of top names in women's golf, including the world No3 Stacy Lewis, have expressed their frustration and annoyance with Golf Digest for the tone of the Gretzky move as they battle for serious column inches. The photos appeared in advance of the Kraft Nabisco Championship in California, which concludes on Sunday.

Now Mike Whan, the LPGA's commissioner, has added his voice. "We're disappointed and frustrated by the editorial direction and timing Golf Digest has chosen with … its most recent magazine cover," he said. "If a magazine called Golf Digest is interested in showcasing females in the game, yet consistently steers away from the true superstars who've made history over the last few years, something is clearly wrong.

"Inbee Park wins three straight major championships in 2013. Stacy Lewis, in 2012, becomes the first American to win Rolex Player of the Year since 1994. Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko set historical benchmarks while blossoming as the Tour's youngest ever champions. And evidently, not one has been 'cover worthy' for Golf Digest. Growing the game means a need for more role models and in these exciting times for women's golf, the LPGA is overflowing with them."

Jerry Tarde, Golf Digest's editor in chief, defended his policy. "Sports figures, celebrities and models have appeared on Golf Digest covers since the magazine's beginning," he said. "Paulina ranks at the high end of the golf celebrity scene today, and she has a compelling story to tell. She also might get some new people interested in the game."

On the course at Mission Hills, Scotland's Catriona Matthew moved into contention at the halfway stage. After an opening 72, four birdies coupled with no dropped shots enabled the 44-year-old former Women's British Open champion to record a second-round 68 to lie four under par in the year's first major championship, three off the lead held by the American Lexi Thompson and Korea's Se Ri Pak, with Thompson also on the comeback trail after an opening 73.