“Speak English!” says LPGA
Aug 27th, 2008 by mhueter
A recent article in the New York Times explained that members of the LPGA must speak English in order to play. Interesting move, considering most of its athletes are foreign-born. Apparently, the concern is over appeal to sponsors.
“Being a U.S.-based tour, and with the majority of our fan base, pro-am contestants, sponsors and participants being English speaking, we think it is important for our players to effectively communicate in English,” says Libba Galloway, the deputy commissioner of the tour, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
On the surface, I think this move is similar to that of Geno’s steaks in South Philadelphia, which sports a sign that says, “This is America. We speak English!” (Genos was later unsuccessfully sued for that sign).
This is not exactly the type of PR the LPGA needs right now internationally. But hey, anything to keep those sponsors happy, right? There has to be a line somewhere…




Here’s news…. English is the Universal Language. Congratulations to the LPGA. Even the government of China new they would be best identified if their Olympians had CHINA in English on their jerseys!
This isn’t about exclusion you parinoid’s, it’s about communication. I’ll bet not one player loses their slot on the LPGA. If this is taken to court… everyone loses.
Lord knows every player on the tour can afford a few English lessons.. it would be nice to get to know all of the LPGA players better. I’m sure there are some wonderfull stories undiscovered.
Wesley
so wesley because english is universal that we as lazy asss americans not learn any other language?
this is an excuse for less qualified golfers to stay golfing. golfing should be about merit and not about bein able to speak english considering that lpga has becom more internatiobal rather than america.
its because of people like you that white affirmative action is so pervasive.
I am trying to find out who these sponsors are… Anyone have an Idea!?
This should give you some idea… (from the LPGA Web site) http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?mid=0&pid=52
LPGA Tournament Owners Association: The Tournament Owners Association (TOA) was formally established in 1990 under the name Tournament Sponsors Association. In 2005, the membership voted to amend the name of the organization to reflect a stronger representation and identity of its core stakeholders. The association is an incorporated non-profit trade association, 501(c)6, comprised of owned and operated LPGA Tour events.
The TOA is governed by an elected Board of Directors, which meets every two months and communicates regularly with the LPGA Player Executive Committee, LPGA commissioner and the LPGA staff. The TOA President is former LPGA Player Executive Committee President and veteran LPGA Tour member, Gail Graham. The director of business development is Sharon Hopkins. For 2008, the Board is comprised of: Chairwoman Alice Miller (McDonald’s LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola); Vice Chairman Terry Wilcox (Kraft Nabisco Championship); Secretary/Treasurer Linda Hampton (Wegmans LPGA); Ex-Officio Jack Benjamin (LPGA Corning Classic); and Directors: Jacques Bungert (Evian Masters); Tim Erensen (Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite, SemGroup Championship Presented by John Q. Hammons, LPGA NW Arkansas Championship Presented by John Q. Hammons); Rob Neal (Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola, Safeway Classic Presented by Pepsi); Wayne Nooe (Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill); and Judd Silverman (Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic Presented by Kroger).
Just to be clear Megan. The Tournament Owners Association had nothing to do with this. Nor did Title Sponsors of LPGA Tournaments, that would be difficult since neither one were consulted before this was announced to the players.