This rule went against the basic spirit of golf. I think that many people don’t understand why this was unfair and specifically directed at Korean golfers. I think the LPGA still does not get it, as it is still trying to explain that it was a way of encouraging non-English speaking pro’s to increase their marketability.
Daily Archives: September 5, 2008
Post from the West Coast on LPGA’s English Only Policy
Life is so good in America!
Mike,
I am at present quite disappointed with the LPGA. While a part of me
senses the awkwardness surrounding the communication efforts of that
large group of Korean golfers on the LPGA, sports has often been at the
forefront of meritocracy–breaking racial and gender barriers to
recognize superlative achievement and entertainment potential. This is
obviously a step in the wrong direction, with an attempt to make the
LPGA a more attractive product to sponsors by trying to have the tour
players look the way that management thinks would be most appealing. The
irony of course is that the fastest growing segments of players, viewers
and sponsors are all Asian, and the LPGA needs this infusion more than
the other way around. The Korean players will likely ace their English
tests (Koreans and test taking?), and the LPGA will be fresh out of
excuses, but the ugliness will be out there. I’m proud of the
graciousness with which many of the players of Korean descent have
handled inquiries concerning their views on this matter, but I’m
sickened by the whole thing.
Hope all’s well with you and yours. We should get a crew together and
head to Scotland or some other golfing destination.
Sam
The Seven Pillars of Golf Wisdom
Playing golf has:1. made me a better golfer (practice, golf improvement)
2. allowed me to incorporate golf in all aspects of my life (golf course management applied to life)
3. compelled me to spread the word about golf (golf fellowship)
4. allowed better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses as a golfer (golf self-awareness)
5. given me perspective to view and interpret the events of the world through the USGA Rules of Golf (vision, golf rules etiquette and rules applied)
6. identify and investigate the cardinal mysteries of golf (golf mystery)
7. given me hope that I can be a more perfect golfer (golf faith)
Labor Day Swing 2008
This is a video of my golf swing circa 2008. I have never videotaped my swing before but it was shocking to see so much head movement. I am now swinging in front of the bathroom mirror to try to fix this. Even so, somehow, I was making square contact, but as you see on swing #2, it is very easy to “chunk” the ball. Technology and being square on address keeps the ball moving forward in the general direction you want it to go, but not as good as swing #1.
Golfism -life is a metaphor for golf 