Aug
26
LPGA's new must-speak-English policy reeks of racism from clueless Tour run by Carolyn Bivens
Just when you didn’t think the LPGA could make any news (except for killing off long-time tournaments), the worst-run organization in professional sports is at it again, making speaking English a requirement for holding a Tour card starting next season.
The LPGA apparently feels too many South Koreans are winning - clearly targeting them with a rule that makes absolutely no sense for a Tour that has long claimed it’s building its brand globally (or at least used that as the excuse for all its problems stateside) under Carolyn Bivens.
Is this the Ladies Professional Golf Association or Paranoid Americans Are Us?
The LPGA’s a sports league. Or at least it claims to be. What does speaking English have to do with your ability to hit a golf ball? In all the moves made under Bivens that have crippled any chances of future LPGA growth, this may be the very worst of all. It represents such minor-league, petty thinking.
Can you imagine Major League Baseball or the NBA ever coming up with a rule like this for its foreign-born players? Of course not. Ichiro still mostly only talks through a translator even though everyone in Seattle knows he can speak perfect English. Yao Ming only recently ditched using his translator in most U.S. press conferences - after having been an all-star for years. Not speaking more English sooner on the public stage really crippled Yao’s popularity in the states, huh?
The LPGA’s new rule, which actually puts in the possibility of a suspension punishment if any LPGA player who has held a Tour card for two years cannot pass an oral English exam, is not just amazingly offensive. And racist.
It reeks of complete desperation for a Tour that’s seeing itself all but completely fall off the sports map under Bivens.
You might argue that two years is plenty of time to learn English, but why should a golfer be forced to do something that has nothing to do with the sport to continue playing it? This is all too typical of a commissioner who tries to lord over every little thing as a Putin-like tyrant while completely missing out on the big picture. Most of the LPGA’s South Korean golfers already do their best to grasp the new language and speak it in press conferences.
It’s a completely unnecessary rule.
The fact that a few South Korean winners are using translators in press conferences is not what’s holding the LPGA back. Having almost no reporters attend those press conferences - in part because Bivens works to keep out writers she feels are too critical, which showcases her micromanaging panic yet again - is much more damaging to the LPGA.
The Bivens team is desperate. So it came up with an almost unfathomable, offensive rule.
How low can you go?
38 comments
You think that is bad? Read my blog. I wish Yoda played the LPGA Tour. What would Bivens do about it?
2008-08-26 @ 15:46
Hey Ron Mon, I hope you like Bivens' idea because pretty soon here at WorldGolf.com we're going to demand our bloggers be able to write in comprehensible English.
2008-08-26 @ 16:06
Comment from: Michael Mc Innis [Visitor] 
This is the BEST IDEA EVER!!! This should have been done a long time ago. And there is NOTHING racist about it. The entire country should follow suit and demand that all foreigners speak English while making money in this country. This is the way it should be! HELL YES and RIGHT ON to the LPGA. These ladies are showing the way. Anyone who would criticize this is UN-American, and most like likely someone who wants to see this country overrun with illiterate non-english speaking peasants!
2008-08-26 @ 16:27
This is classic...and right on the money!:
"The fact that a few South Korean winners are using translators in press conferences are not what’s holding the LPGA back. Having almost no reporters attend those press conferences - in part because Bivens works to keep writers out that she feels are too critical, which showcases her micromanaging panic yet again - is much more damaging to the LPGA."
"The fact that a few South Korean winners are using translators in press conferences are not what’s holding the LPGA back. Having almost no reporters attend those press conferences - in part because Bivens works to keep writers out that she feels are too critical, which showcases her micromanaging panic yet again - is much more damaging to the LPGA."
2008-08-26 @ 16:29
Damn. I was anxiously awaiting you to drop in a reference to Michael Phelps or, say, Morgan Fairchild, but it never came.
Spot on post, and I'm with you 100 percent. If they want the LPGA to be the best golf tour, they need to have the best golfers, even if they speak Latin. The extra pressure they're putting on the South Korean players is just plain BS.
If I'm involved with the Ladies European Tour, I pounce on this as an opportunity to try and get non-English speakers and try to use their International fame to boost sponsorships.
A very good post, Chris.
Spot on post, and I'm with you 100 percent. If they want the LPGA to be the best golf tour, they need to have the best golfers, even if they speak Latin. The extra pressure they're putting on the South Korean players is just plain BS.
If I'm involved with the Ladies European Tour, I pounce on this as an opportunity to try and get non-English speakers and try to use their International fame to boost sponsorships.
A very good post, Chris.
2008-08-26 @ 18:42
I was waiting for a Mike Weir reference myself. No, I totally agree and feel bad for excellent American players like Cristie Kerr who really want top level competition, that they have to put up with a tour that makes bad decisions and trys to dumb it down.
...And pathetically true is the comment about the LPGA and writers...even sympathetic writers.
...And pathetically true is the comment about the LPGA and writers...even sympathetic writers.
2008-08-26 @ 20:34
Comment from: bloggerbeck [Visitor]
I completely agree. While I understand the reasons behind the new rule, it's the way they went about it that I think is the reason behind all the controversy. Instead of talking to the players across the board they totally miss-stepped and singled out a specific group. It's like they decided to suddenly start taking advise from Michelle Wie or something.
2008-08-26 @ 22:29
Comment from: Roger Larson [Visitor]
Welcome Hitler! I cannot imagine this in 2008. You don't need to talk to win a golf tournament, You need to score the lowest and sign a card and not have being discovered to have been a cheat!
2008-08-26 @ 23:46
Comment from: George [Visitor]
Ladies golf and tennis full of racists. Luckily the tennis racists cannot use English language to keep the Williams sisters out. Bivens is a racist white American woman...typical.
2008-08-26 @ 23:47
Comment from: Rosetta Stone [Visitor]
Carolyn Bivens, we will be happy to become your only new sponsor for 2009.
2008-08-27 @ 01:59
Comment from: Donald Ritter [Visitor]
What is this "LPGA" you speak about? Never heard of it.
2008-08-27 @ 06:17
The big money and any real viewership comes from the USA. It's not out of the question to ask the LPGA Tour players to speak English.
It would have been nicer to ASK, however, instead of demand.
Many of the ladies on Tour who don't speak English are really into having a tutor by their side anyway. They know where they're bread is buttered.
It would have been nicer to ASK, however, instead of demand.
Many of the ladies on Tour who don't speak English are really into having a tutor by their side anyway. They know where they're bread is buttered.
2008-08-27 @ 09:19
Comment from: Mike [Visitor]
Will this rule keep MW off the tour? SHe should use a translator or at least an English teacher
2008-08-27 @ 10:56
Comment from: Ray [Visitor]
This is Bivens trying to cover up her mismanagement of the LPGA. Have to blame somebody for sponsors taking a hike so........ lets blame the Koreans who can't speak English. The truth is Bivens strong arm techniques have driven away longtime sponsors and potential new sponsors. Now with these rules that have a hint of racism in them, they may drive away Asian sponsors who are the future of the LPGA.
2008-08-27 @ 12:29
Q and A...
Bivens is doing
___Better or ___Worse than Ty Votaw
Bivens is doing
___Better or ___Worse than Ty Votaw
2008-08-27 @ 13:23
Re: Michael Mc Innis's comment -
It's been a long time since I've seen a peasant playing golf!
It's been a long time since I've seen a peasant playing golf!
2008-08-27 @ 13:56
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Wow, you learn something new every day. I didn't realize that one had to be of a certain race to speak English. Just so my education can be complete, would you please inform me about which race is incapable of developing a command of the language of the land?
2008-08-27 @ 18:57
Comment from: Voice of reason [Visitor]
It's a great idea. I have a few of my own:
When ever there is a sponsor with it´s base outside the US players should be forced to speak the sponsors language, be it japanese, chinese or american, not just english.
Female players should pass the pretty test, who wants to see ugles.
Foreign players in the lead shoud be given a 2 strokes penalty.
When ever there is a sponsor with it´s base outside the US players should be forced to speak the sponsors language, be it japanese, chinese or american, not just english.
Female players should pass the pretty test, who wants to see ugles.
Foreign players in the lead shoud be given a 2 strokes penalty.
2008-08-28 @ 05:37
Comment from: Oui Oui Oui [Visitor]
Quote Stacy '...They know where they're bread is buttered....'
Whoa! Maybe bloggers need to pass English grammar test.
Back to the topic...
What if the players has learning disability or mute? Would she get kicked off the tour for failure to learn a new language?
If this rule was in place 10 years ago, the great Se Ri Pak (who supports this new rule) would have a mediocre career before being kicked off the tour.
Who is responsible for PR in LPGA? That person deserves to be fired.
Maybe LPGA should be a judged sport moving forward.
Whoa! Maybe bloggers need to pass English grammar test.
Back to the topic...
What if the players has learning disability or mute? Would she get kicked off the tour for failure to learn a new language?
If this rule was in place 10 years ago, the great Se Ri Pak (who supports this new rule) would have a mediocre career before being kicked off the tour.
Who is responsible for PR in LPGA? That person deserves to be fired.
Maybe LPGA should be a judged sport moving forward.
2008-08-28 @ 06:18
Comment from: DL [Visitor]
If we believe that LPGA's action is racially motivated then we should contact ALL LPGA sponsors to pull their endorsements. In addition, if sponsors continue to endorse LPGA then BOYCOTT those sponsors. MONEY TALKS!
2008-08-28 @ 11:50
Comment from: ToddCommish [Visitor]
There is no LPGA without the sponsors. The association can't survive based on gate receipts and/or entry fees. If the South Koreans are the best golfers (and it seems like they are rapidly becoming so), and they don't speak English, the sponsorships will dry up. And then there will be no more LPGA.
Now, if the South Koreans simply learn English, they will be able to dominate the tour AND get nice sponsorships. If they don't, the tour will have to struggle by with the Lorenas and Paulas and the Morgans of the world. It just puts the onus on THEM to accede to the will of the moneybrokers (which is what the rest of America does every day).
Now, if the South Koreans simply learn English, they will be able to dominate the tour AND get nice sponsorships. If they don't, the tour will have to struggle by with the Lorenas and Paulas and the Morgans of the world. It just puts the onus on THEM to accede to the will of the moneybrokers (which is what the rest of America does every day).
2008-08-28 @ 13:51
Comment from: Booger [Visitor]
What exactly is racism? Could someone here
explain it to me?
explain it to me?
2008-08-28 @ 15:55
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Se Ri Pak clearly stated her opposition to the new rule. She opposed banning players, suggesting a fine instead--but that might be nothing more than plea bargaining.
2008-08-28 @ 16:31
Comment from: Golfer [Visitor]
What's wrong with Carolyn Bivens? Is she trying to kill the LPGA? The world wide fans may decide that follwing the LPGA is not workth it if they allow only English speaking golfers who may not be the best in the world to play. This policy is racist and totally unsportmanship like. What if the Olympics decided that all participants to be able to speak the language of the host country? Will we have an Olympic event?
2008-08-28 @ 18:02
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Golfer,
You don't seem very bright. The Olympics takes place twice every four years (summer and winter) and moves from country to country. Moreover, it is understood that it is an international event and is watched by people the world over. Thus, uncommunicative players don't impact negatively on its marketability.
On the other hand, the Korean players on the LPGA have decided to earn their living here and play in America full time. Additionally, the tour's primary viewership is English-speaking. And I'm sure you can understand how having full-time players who are bad for PR hurts the tour.
Oh, and anyone who throws around the word "racism" so haphazardly should be smacked in the head repeatedly until he sees the light.
You don't seem very bright. The Olympics takes place twice every four years (summer and winter) and moves from country to country. Moreover, it is understood that it is an international event and is watched by people the world over. Thus, uncommunicative players don't impact negatively on its marketability.
On the other hand, the Korean players on the LPGA have decided to earn their living here and play in America full time. Additionally, the tour's primary viewership is English-speaking. And I'm sure you can understand how having full-time players who are bad for PR hurts the tour.
Oh, and anyone who throws around the word "racism" so haphazardly should be smacked in the head repeatedly until he sees the light.
2008-08-28 @ 22:04
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
EXCELLANT IDEA!!!!! And maybe the U.S. government can slap on a 50% tax to ALL winnings that are carted off to any foriegn country! We are almost at the point of natural born citizens are in the minority in our own country.
2008-08-29 @ 08:05
Comment from: ToddCommish [Visitor]
The complainers are acting like playing (and winning) in the LPGA is some sort of right in this country. It isn't.
They're a private club with entrance rules and restrictions (no matter what Michelle and BJ Wie say). If they decide that members need to speak conversational Swahili, that's their right. They trying to preserve the sponsors, who want/need English speaking players to get the maximum bang for their sponsorship dollars.
They're a private club with entrance rules and restrictions (no matter what Michelle and BJ Wie say). If they decide that members need to speak conversational Swahili, that's their right. They trying to preserve the sponsors, who want/need English speaking players to get the maximum bang for their sponsorship dollars.
2008-08-29 @ 14:17
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Todd,
Well said. Many Americans have been inculcated with the insane idea that the whole world has a right to partake of whatever we have. They forget that other nations don't operate this way.
Well said. Many Americans have been inculcated with the insane idea that the whole world has a right to partake of whatever we have. They forget that other nations don't operate this way.
2008-08-29 @ 14:36
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
How many of the LPGA corporate sponsors will still want to be affiliated with an English only LPGA? I doubt this new policy pleases MacDonalds, for example. It really makes a lot of marketing sense to alienate all of your corporate sponsors.
2008-08-29 @ 21:11
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
It is all a campaign to eliminate "Press 1 for English". AND IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!
2008-08-30 @ 05:53
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
John D,
I like this option better: "Press one to be deported."
I like this option better: "Press one to be deported."
2008-08-30 @ 13:17
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Sheesh, I messed up. It should be, "Press two to be deported."
2008-08-30 @ 13:18
Comment from: Walter McBride [Visitor]
I can't help noticing the coincidence that George Bush is about to need a new career. This ruling is probably just a cunning way to stop him trying to get onto the LPGA tour...
2008-09-01 @ 06:33
Comment from: Bud Wyder [Visitor]
Shut Up! Are you inferrating dat we Americans moider de mudder tongue on poipose?
Carolyn Bivens is just confusing golf with 'professional' wrestling, which is all about glamour and talk. Real sporting talent is irrelevant! Isn't it?
Carolyn Bivens is just confusing golf with 'professional' wrestling, which is all about glamour and talk. Real sporting talent is irrelevant! Isn't it?
2008-09-01 @ 15:48
Comment from: Dave [Visitor]
After pondering this issue for a long time, I've come to the conclusion that I support it.
Contrary to what some people seem to think on this blog, this isn't a totally out of the blue decision that has shocked every tour player out there. No - tour players have been complaining about this for years. It has been an issue for a while, and it is for this reason that I think Bivens' decision makes sense.
Walter, George Bush doesn't need a new career; he's got more money than he knows to do with :-)
Contrary to what some people seem to think on this blog, this isn't a totally out of the blue decision that has shocked every tour player out there. No - tour players have been complaining about this for years. It has been an issue for a while, and it is for this reason that I think Bivens' decision makes sense.
Walter, George Bush doesn't need a new career; he's got more money than he knows to do with :-)
2008-09-01 @ 17:12
Comment from: Walter McBride [Visitor]
Dave, I have pondered this too, but can't help thinking of my brother's experience of playing in a pro-am a couple of years ago with a very well known US golfer (PGA ranking in the top 5 or so at the time).
My brother is a dentist who normally gets on well with people, but despite his best efforts the conversation was non-existent until hole 8 when it started to rain. The pro then complained that 'we pros don't really like playing in the rain' and he headed back to the clubhouse!
The solution, it seems to me, is for the American girls to raise their game to an international level - or LPGA tournaments will be no better than (as Bud has mentioned) the fake 'professional wrestling tournaments' we see on TV.
My brother is a dentist who normally gets on well with people, but despite his best efforts the conversation was non-existent until hole 8 when it started to rain. The pro then complained that 'we pros don't really like playing in the rain' and he headed back to the clubhouse!
The solution, it seems to me, is for the American girls to raise their game to an international level - or LPGA tournaments will be no better than (as Bud has mentioned) the fake 'professional wrestling tournaments' we see on TV.
2008-09-02 @ 05:35
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
Agree, good post Chris. And last I checked, Japanese baseball doesn't require their American players to speak Japanese for "marketability" either.
2008-09-05 @ 19:50
Comment from: Suerbigmac [Visitor]
I can’t believe that in the 21st century that a major sports organization would institute such a backwards, illegal and downright racist policy. The reasoning given for instituting such a policy was that players need to interact with the sponsors. The last time I checked, the LPGA has sponsors from multiple countries and plays in several countries as well. Does that mean all of the English speaking players need to learn how to speak Spanish to be able to schmooze with the Mexican sponsors at the Corona Championship? Do LPGA players need to speak French when they play in France at the Evian Masters? What contrived logic is this? Carolyn Bivens and the LPGA board are obviously racist.
This is reminiscent of our shameful past of discrimination against African American baseball players and when we instituted literacy laws to prevent African Americans from voting. Wake up America!! We’re better than this. Just because our American players are not winning this year and keep losing to foreign players doesn’t mean we have to resort to cheating and discrimination to compete. I applaud State Farm in speaking up against this blatantly racist policy.
2008-09-06 @ 22:12
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