Women’s golf perfect for Olympic Games
Women’s golf is gaining ground rapidly and this is why observers and LPGA officials have started saying that the sport should be included in the Olympic Games.
Since LPGA has expanded influence of female golf beyond borders, it is becoming increasingly important that other avenues are explored for the promotion of the sport.
Olympic Games are going to be held in Rio in 2016 and it is being said that the occasion is perfect for the inclusion of golf.
LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan recently spoke to the media about the growing footprint of female golf.
Whan seemed pretty optimistic about the rapid growth in the number of players on the LPGA each year.
LPGA has seen a number of rising stars join the field, making the sport more competitive than ever before.
In addition to that, the LPGA also needs to reel in more money in order to stage events more efficiently.
Whan is in Singapore these days for the HSBC Women’s Champions. He said that the Tour has succeeded in telling the world that women’s golf is still around, as opposed to what critics have been saying.
Critics of LPGA have been contending that the Tour has not done much for the uplift of the sport. However, the recent months have seen major breakthroughs.
With a number of tournaments scheduled in Asia region, the LPGA has effectively found a foothold in regions other than the United States and Europe.
Because of too much focus on Europe and America, other countries such as China and Japan had been seeking the spotlight.
Now, with special attention on Asia, LPGA is staging a host of prestigious events in the region for the 2012 season.
Shedding light on the competitiveness of women’s golf, Whan said that there are plenty of prominent players proving their skills on the course, and this is what matters to find a place in Olympic Games.
Whan said that he thinks that Olympics can prove to be an effective platform for women’s golf to thrive on.
Since Olympic grabs the headlines, it will automatically help LPGA officials to lure more players and sponsors.
"From my perspective, the Olympics is going to give women's golf a global media platform and coverage that we just don't get on a regular basis," he said while talking to Reuters just hours ahead of HSBC Women’s Champions.
"The guys get it a lot. They get global media coverage that's incredibly massive but we only get it three or four times a year. Hopefully golf will also be good for the Olympics".
Whan further said that finding a place in Olympics will not be easy. He said there’s still a long way to go, as women’s golf is still underrated as compared to that of men’s.
LPGA had to face tough times a couple of months back when one of its tournaments was cancelled just because there was no sponsor available.
Sponsorships are tough to get. Media coverage is the biggest yardstick to assess the strength of the sport.
On the other hand, PGA (Professional Golf Association) has been able to attract massive fan following and sponsorships.
However, Whan appeared be hopeful despite how difficult it is to be included in Olympic Games. He said that if given the opportunity, LPGA’s role will become even more crucial in uplift of female golf.
“I feel like we have a responsibility because the Olympics is an incredible global showcase so we are feeling the pressure to do it right," he said.
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