Women’s Golf needs to expand
Evian Masters, a tournament that has become the centre of attention for all women golfers in the world, is offering an amount of US$3.24 million as total prize money. The tournament is also considered a favourite with golf fans all over the world. This year, the tournament is taking place between Lake Geneva and French Alps.
In 2009, 90 players participated where as in 2010, which is the 17th edition of the event, 111 players are playing in the field.
The Evian Masters has a bright future, but if we look at the overall outlook of LPGA, it seems dull. As in 2008, there were 37 events, whereas this year the number of events decreased to 27. Recession and global financial crises have badly affected women’s golf.
Furthermore, the retirement of Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa also affected the tournament. Both are the biggest names in women’s golf and their retirement came at a very wrong time. Michael Whan, the tour commissioner of LPGA, had to rebuild the women’s tour after the retirement announcement of Sorenstam and Ochoa.
In the absence of Sorenstam and Ochao, Ai Miyazato occupies the number one position. For Miyazato the arena is wide open now and her chances of becoming top class player have increased.
The 25-year-old Japanese star said:
"There are many good players out here, Paula Creamer, Suzanne Pettersen, Shin Jiyai and Morgan Pressel, and everyone is good.
"Lorena and Annika were huge, huge symbols on the LPGA Tour, but it just needs a little bit more time I think.
"Everyone is getting more competitive now so it's good for the LPGA."
The new tour commissioner of the tournament, Michael Whan, promised that Evian Masters in 2011 will feature more events.
"I'm excited to say the world has bounced back a little, but I don't think we are back at 2006 levels in terms of budget and spending, although I'm excited about the activities we have had over my six or seven months," he said.
"I'm excited that the 2011 schedule which we will announce at the end of the year will see us play in more places and play more often than we did in 2010."
Though currently Whan is busy in improving the relations of LPGA Tour and its sponsors, he is hopeful to expand women’s golf, particularly to Asia.
The 44 year old tour commissioner said, "We want to open the tournaments to new countries ... I don't think the growth and our future will be in the US, it will be in France, in the UK, or in Scotland".
Though the players are happy with the idea of playing in Asia, the idea of organizing a Major tournament in Asia is still in its infancy.
22-year old, American golfer, Pressel has reached the final round of Evian Masters. She thinks four majors, Kraft Nabisco Championship, LPGA Championship, US Women's Open (all played in the US), and the Women's British Open - are enough. She sent on to say:
"I think if you have too many Majors, it could diminish the importance of these events,"
"It is the same in tennis and we should stick to four Majors."
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