LPGA Golf, unfair rules?

Question

I have been following the English only rule for the LPGA. I believe this is got to be the most useless rule I have ever heard of. I watch golf to see the talent these Ladies have. Is the USA afraid that their star golfers are not doing as good as the rest of the world and would like to eliminate them from competition.

Answer 1

the LPGA isn't really much of anything, they don't really  provide prizes; their sponsors do. The U S Opens are funded largely by the USGA. Let them (the LPGA) do whatever they want; it is not going to help their popularity any in the long run, and they know it. Golf is supposed to be a game of low scores (and numbers don't lie). I think this means they are in bigger trouble than they are letting on.

Answer 2

It is possible that the " English Requirement " is the result of the difficulty of maintaining sponsors for the tournaments and for attracting more LPGA fans. There are more than 121 Asians who have come into the LPGA rosters including the futures tour. The winners have had to use interpreters to convey their thoughts.All we have seen is them waving a putter after a good shot. The game is entertainment and too much has disappeared with the loss of Jo An Garner, Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniels, Dotty Pepper, Mickey Wright and Patty Sheehan.

Answer 3

that's a tough question but if they play a role good and is golf clubs or whatever the one to do commercials and sponsor her.she will need to know English to do commercials in this country .

Answer 4

trying to get Lorena ochoa out of the competition,jajaja

just like some one say before me, if the US cant beat them  the US wont let them play,

they cant accept the fact that a mexican is the # 1 female golf player

Answer 5

I agree the rule is pretty asinine, however, it's "their league" and they can do whatever they want. It's akin to the NFL banning players recently for not being a "model citizen". I mean if you owned a factory, you could have the same rule according to the law, you'd probably have to have a lawyer on retainer to deal with all the civil lawsuits, however, legally, your not discriminating due to language.  

Answer 6

I read Golfweek magazine and almost every week there are stories about the LPGA losing another tournament sponsor. The fact is that most LPGA tournaments are played in the States and most of their sponsors are US companies. Apparently when these companies look at where to put their limited sponsorship dollar, a tour that is being dominated by Asian players, especially Asian players who do not speak English, is not high on their list. If the LPGA cannot find players that get American viewers and especially American sponsors interested; it won't matter where the dominate players come from or wether they speak English or not because there won't be a tour for them to play on.

Answer 7

This is a typical American move,if we can't beat them don't let them play. Half the dam commentators can't speak English, send them to elocution lessons first.

Answer 8

I've heard the arguments from both sides and I agree with the LPGA on this one.  

Answer 9

What the USA is afraid of losing is the LPGA Tour itself. There is no market for women's golf in todays tv world. So if the players can't communicate, there is even less of an appeal. It also hurts the Pro Am Events. When you are a celebrity looking for advise, you have to be able to communicate. Look at what the Champions tour did this week at Pebble with the First tee. Those guys are in it to make everyone enjoy the game, so if it isn't the golf, they will still be laughing. Americans don't understand jokes in swedish or italian, or Korean. So they won't laugh, and will fall asleep watching. It's all marketing, and they are crying out for help, in any way possible. This one may not be perfect, but at least they are trying something./ However, this one is not the right way.

Answer 10

First off, it's not and English Only rule....it's just a requirement that players be able to speak English competently enough to engage their pro-am partners (a significant source of revenue in both tours); give their winning speech so anyone can understand them; and be able to converse with sponsors who put up the money.  It's not a racist rule and it's not meant to discourage anyone from playing on the LPGA tour.

For a more official position, please take a look at: http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=1...

This is the LPGA commissioner's position, the official position of the policy.  Professional golf is different than most sports where the prize money does not come from advertising, tv and ticket revenue.  It mainly comes from sponsors and the pro-am participants.  Makes a BIG difference.