Maybe the Legends Tour needs a Name Change

Talking to a friend about how much I had enjoyed hearing Louise Suggs speak, she said, “I thought she was dead.”

“No way,” I said. “She’s made of strong stuff. One of golf’s greatest players and a founder of the LPGA, Suggs competed in 29 U.S. Women’s Opens and socked away 58 professional victories including 11 majors.

Talking about her early days of the LPGA Tour, Suggs said watching herself, Patty Berg, and Babe Zaharias compete for tournament titles was like “watching three cats fight over a plate of fish.” Suggs is often called a golfing legend. And herein lies the problem.

“Legend” is not only defined as “Somebody famous admired for a particular skill or talent,” but also as, “a story that passed down for generations…but unlikely to be true.”

It’s all about perception. If you are among those who think a legend implies someone in the past, you are not alone. Hence the phrase, “A legend in his/her own time,” to make it clear that person is still living.
Which brings me around to the Legends Tour.

Founded by Jane Blalock nine years ago to showcase the exceptional talents of the greatest women golfers of all time like Blalock, Patty Sheehan, Rosie Jones, and Nancy Lopez, they represent a combined 625 LPGA Tour victories, including 65 major championships. That’s huge.

Legends has awarded more than $8.8 million in prize money and hosted events around the world. They are an inspiration to watch. “Although we are competitive, Legends is also about entertainment, fun and interacting with our pro-am partners and spectators,” says Blalock. “We really have a good time out there and our spectators have fun as well.”

Just get out and watch these players warm up on the driving range, see how they swing, the way the ball flies way farther and straighter than it seems possible for women of “a certain age” and then follow them around as they chalk up scores below par and hit amazing short shots. Even my male friends who are secure enough to admit it, say they can learn a lot watching them play.

Sad thing though: this tour continues to struggle to get sponsorship money and draw bigger galleries. Would a name change help? After all, the men changed their name from the sloggy “Senior Tour” to the more macho, “Champions Tour.” Why not something like “LPGA Superstars Tour” or even “LPGA Hot Sticks Tour?” www.thelegendstour.com; www.jbcgolf.com