So what is everyones take on the new English only policy the LPGA is implementing?

Ill be honest, Im deffinitely in favor of people learning English when they come to this country, I think it should be mandatory for being granted citizenship, and I expect to be able to communicate with employees of a company I am a customer of in English, especially in hospitals and other places like that where a language barrier could potentially introduce a dangerous situation for the patient. But come on, do I really care if a sports star can give a press conference on their own without the use of an interpreter, not really. The NFL, NBA, and MLB all have non English speaking players, so they use an interpreter at press conferences, does it mean the experience is any less positive as LPGA tournament director Kate Peters put it?

It would be good if everyone spoke English, but, really isn't it all about talent. I have thought, for years, that the LPGA should expend it's energies more

toward enforcing a dress code if it (the LPGA) wanted to enhance it's image to the public. They don't look professional for the most part. The tournaments that are shown on TV, for the most part, look like the Ladies Member-Guest at the Club with the exception that some would be asked to change into something a little more appropriate to the sport;i.e., blouses with collars, shorts of the appropriate length like the ones that Annika wears.

Let's play Professional Golf and look the part and not the "T&A" rating for TV. 

Are you kidding me?  It's ALL about talent.  Provided you're a human being, use approved equipment, and aren't breaking any laws, you should be able to speak any language or dress any way you want. 

I'd love it if a hot rocker-chick hit the scenes swinging like Tiger and fielding the media like Hillary Clinton.  Something tells me a woman like that would be far better for women's golf over another up-tight sorority alum sporting the latest wears from Ralph Lauren, who can't wait to get that big string of pearls from gran-ma-ma.

Think back on what Billie Jean King did for women's professional tennis.  She didn't give a flying fu@# about what people thought.  And it worked.

The bottom line is that golf is an international sport.  If you have a problem not understanding the athlete who you spent the weekend watching when he/she wins, get Rosetta Stone or bitch to the networks to get a translator.  Don't force your inability to adapt on others as another "rule" we all must follow.  Evolve.

Fallout From New LPGA "English Only" Policy Continues

Oh, so much to say...where do I start??

First of all, I love media hyped use of "English Only" - the plan and purpose for the policy is to accomodate communication within the American world of the LPGA - the players are CHOOSING to come to US to play on this tour...to make money.  The LPGA provides a vehicle for players to earn what can be a great living, but in order for the purses to be there and the endorsements to come, the players (the "talent") need to create an appeal for sponsors and fans to turn over their dollars for the players to earn theirs.  Part of a player's responsibility is to promote their organization - by doing interviews, by engaging the fans, by playing in the Pro-Ams, by schmoozing the sponsors...I will respectfully (and completely) disagree with forthefew about professional golf - isn't not about the talent, it's about the MONEY. 

Clearly this policy is only going to affect a certain number of players, probably a small percentage of LPGA professionals...I'm sure many players whose first language is not English have learned it because they realize the importance of it - even Angel Cabrera, in the Golf International article the super-cool Webmaster referenced, realizes that he would probably have more opportunities if he could've adapted more to the English language.  But just like any work policy, state law, or rules of order, they are created so that everyone is under the same set of standards - for the benefit of everyone in an organization, city, country, etc - and what would be the purpose of a policy if it didn't have a consequence?  Is suspension the best choice?  I don't know, would a fine be better?  But doesn't there need to be something to motivate them? 

If this were all about just seeing great golf - just seeing great talent, then I would be right in the camp with those decrying this policy - but to me, it's not about watching talented golfers - it's about business, it's about making sure that tournaments have sponsors and money, and for fans to have a reason to come out and watch, and spend their money, too.  I can understand why an organization like the LPGA would consider something like this - they have seen their player pool become more international (which is GREAT!), but some of their revenue stream (sponsors/fans) is having a hard time feeling a connection to the players and maybe that revenue will find someplace else to go where they feel more appreciated.  Isn't this really about an organization trying to protect their players and give them the most opportunity and money to play for??

And in terms of Billie Jean King - she ABSOLUTELY cared about what people thought of her - in the NPR interview she called the match against Riggs "Pure Entertainment" - and the only reason she did the match was because another female player lost to him and she needed to change the attitude about women's tennis - she was showcasing her talent, but it was moreso for the opportunity to shine a spotlight on tennis...not only for her but for all women. (and interestingly even back then, Riggs got some serious sponsor money to do it (BJK references it) - so was it really just about a battle of the sexes? I don't think so)   The very first part of the interview discusses the fact the the women's Open winner will receive the same money as the Men's winner - all about talent?  Nope...MONEY.  What struck me about what she said in relation to her impact on tennis was that people would come up to her and say, thank you for what you did for women's tennis - when in fact she felt that she brought more attention to Tennis as a whole.

In terms of clothing and appearance, can you think of a better example of yet another reason golf isn't just about talent??  And (maybe sadly), it's working and it's reality.  Les, I'm with you in terms of dress, but if watching several days of crowds of men watching Natalie Gulbis miss the cut at the US Open is any indication, the LPGA is probably going to look past the short skirts if that means there's more tickets sold. 

Okay, so maybe part of this post was just to play devil's advocate...but I believe it's wrong to bash the LPGA for trying something that, at its core, is meant to help the players and their organization keep and increase US sponsors and fans interested in women's golf.  Should we instead blame the sponsors and fans who don't want to sit like a robot and clap at a good shot and instead want to feel a connection with the people they paid money to see?  We can't really, can we?  It's their (and our money) and we all want to get the best bang for our buck, right?   And I'd imagine that the players, who know more about this than we do, will work with the LPGA to end up with a plan that will be beneficial to all.  Nothing like a media hype full of opinions rather than fact to stir the pot.

Thank goodness I have a long weekend to beat the golf ball around and let out some frustration!

I appreciated everyone's thoughts on this...happy Labor Day weekend!

It sounds like a good idea to me ...

The LPGA is based in the U.S. ... I haven't seen the latest data, but I'm willing to bet that English is still one of the more common languages in the U.S. ... and in any case English is the generally accepted common language of international business ...

Lots of good discussion above.  One aspect of the policy that hasn't been discussed is the ability to communicate effectively with the other players in your group during the round ... if you have an interpreter handy at all times, I suppose you can discuss potential rules infractions and more tame issues such as who's out, but unless everyone is speaking the same language there is still a good chance for misunderstanding ...

In short, I look at the new policy as a forward-looking intelligent business decision by an association that is quickly becoming very international ... they will certainly do what they can to help the tour players make the transition ...

Sure, run the LPGA like 'business as usual' and watch the ratings continue to tank as golf becomes more and more of a sport with which people can't relate.  And watch truly international sports grow and squash them in the ratings.  Come back to me in 10 years and tell me the status quo has worked.  If we had this discussion 10 years ago, my point would be proven.  Something...ANYTHING...needs to come along to spice things up.

Yes, most LPGA tournaments happen on U.S. soil.  And that trend will continue to grow as long as sterilizing rules like this are put into place.  Hell, while we're at it, let's say they all must be Christian too.  Your typical American will love that.  "Those other religions are the devil's work!  We're in God's country!  Don't you know that!!!???," says the guy wearing a fanny pack and tube socks bitching that he can't find a McDonald's in Paris (which isn't hard to do, unfortunately).

No, Billie Gene did not at all care about appeasing the herd.  If she was truly interested in that, she would have kept her personal lifestyle choices much more secretive.  Instead, she came out and said, "Here I am, like it or not!"  Good for her, I say!  And look at what that general attitude did for the sport.

And good for the next golfer who becomes a member of the LPGA within the confines of this new rule, and then gives her first interview in her native tongue regardless of her fluency in English.  How would that be for business?  Pretty good I think.

But if you think that golf should remain in it's protected bubble being played by people who's father, and father's father, and father's father's father played, then enjoy.  You're getting your wish.  Hopefully your kids will like the game, too.  That way you can tell them all about the good ole' days when the greens were green because there was enough golfers to justify watering the grass. 

I'm with you on one thing, Chip... goin' to go play a few rounds myself.  But I'm going out in my Doc Martins, black jeans, and wife beater to sport the tattoos while schooling all the old white guys out there.  It's going to be a blast!

Thanks for you comments, forthefew - what's funny is I don't think we're that far off on our thoughts, just maybe in our methods to get there.  I'm not quite sure I get the connection between the demise of the US LPGA tour and asking foreign players to communicate in a way that US folks can understand and connect to, but I think we can both agree that the tour needs to keep evolving, changing, and spice things up.

Are you saying that you believe that by asking foreign players to speak some English while they are in the U.S. in some way homogenizes them into a ralph lauren/grandma's pearl wearing American rather than who they are?  I'm not sure I can leap  that far with you, but I think I get your point - (please tell me if I'm wrong) - in order for golf to go global and continue to grow we need to embrace the different cultures rather than trying to fit them into some box??  Am I close?  And with your references to ratings I think you're trying to say exposure is important?

I don't disagree that golf all over the globe is great - and certainly bringing the best players in the world together on one stage is great competition - but I still stand by my thoughts that over and above the competition aspect is the fact that these players do this as their job - their way to make a living - and they currently realize that the US is where the big money is - and if the way to maintain and increase their livelihood is to appeal to those who fund their paychecks, don't you think they'd want to?

I didn't realize you were talking about BJK's lifestyle choices when making your point (I say good for her, too!) - I thought you were referencing the linked interview - where I really think she did that match against Riggs to open people's eyes to the sport of tennis because she realized the influence of more people getting involved with the sport...which is why I said she did care about what people thought.  Sorry for the confusion.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by wanting to keep golf in a protected bubble - but I think I mean is by supporting the idea of asking foreign players to communicate and teach us about themselves maybe we can all learn something and continue to grow the game in the US and all over the globe...it's not about making them conform - it's about opening the door to communicating where they are...I hope that makes sense.

Have fun golfing this weekend- whatever you wear!

Are you saying that you believe that by asking foreign players to speak some English while they are in the U.S. in some way homogenizes them into a ralph lauren/grandma's pearl wearing American rather than who they are? 

I don't think asking them to speak English does.  But I do think creating a rule saying they must most certainly does. 

I don't disagree that golf all over the globe is great - and certainly bringing the best players in the world together on one stage is great competition - but I still stand by my thoughts that over and above the competition aspect is the fact that these players do this as their job - their way to make a living - and they currently realize that the US is where the big money is - and if the way to maintain and increase their livelihood is to appeal to those who fund their paychecks, don't you think they'd want to?

And I don't disagree with the satement that players should learn English.  You're absolutely correct about it being benefitial to them as players of, and spokespersons for, this great game.  But they should do it because they want to, not because someone else thinks it's right for them.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by wanting to keep golf in a protected bubble - but I think I mean is by supporting the idea of asking foreign players to communicate and teach us about themselves maybe we can all learn something and continue to grow the game in the US and all over the globe...it's not about making them conform - it's about opening the door to communicating where they are...I hope that makes sense.

Okay, then be willing to do the same in return.  In order to play an LPGA event in Japan, everyone should learn how to get by using only Japanese for the weekend... That is unless this is just an American sport and they're only in Japan to humor the international crowd.  Rules like this lead me to believe that the people running the show feel that this is actually the case.

Peace!  And have a great Labor Day Weekend, all!... Especially you, chipshot.  I like your style. :)  (Great putter review, btw.)

forthefew:

  Sure, run the LPGA like 'business as usual' and watch the ratings continue to tank as golf becomes more and more of a sport with which people can't relate. [snip]

Nope ... not what I said ... please let me try again ... I said it is a "business", which is not the same as saying "business as usual" ... if they were running this business as usual, we would not be debating the new rule going into effect!

Like all of the other golf tours and associations on the planet, the LPGA is most certainly a business ... and a huge part of their business is the marketing of their "product" ... and like it or not, most (if not all) of the companies that are forking the big bucks over to the LPGA to get their name in front of prospective customers are aiming at English-speaking audiences ... if their message isn't getting out, they won't pay ... the huge influx of international talent in the LPGA can be a great thing, but it ultimately all comes down to money ... money for charities, money to market the tournaments and the players, money to run the organization ...

Another big part of the marketing for the LPGA, I am sure, is attracting more girls and young women to the sport ... so it's vitally important that those girls and young women be able to relate to the current crop of women playing in LPGA events ... my background doesn't permit me to speak authoritatively on this subject, but intuitively it seems to me that girls and young women will more easily relate to a woman who is speaking their language because they will be able to hear the words spoken as the woman really intends them to be spoken, which may not be as the interpreter has relayed them ...

And regarding the second part of your quote above, can you site the reference showing that LPGA ratings are "tanking" ... it certainly doesn't seem that way to me, but again I do not have the hard data to reference ...

Having said all of that, I appreciate your point of view (and those of the others herein as well) ... it's an interesting discussion ...

I was sort of hoping that when I turned on my computer this morning I would find out that the whole English Only policy thing had just been one bad dream!  But alas, it's all very real and everyone and their mother seems to have something to say about it (well, not my Mom anyway!) - I'm actually tired of reading about it already (and I LOVE a good debate!) - there are so many people who are stretching this far beyond the original argument that it's hard to even know what is fact and what is opinion or half-truths - there isn't even an actual Policy yet - it is due out by the end of the year - but yet there are those who have already drawn conclusions and critized it.  I think it's the whole "we all know enough to be dangerous".

2putt - I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on the subject - we seem like-minded on this, and since I'm always right, you should feel pretty good!  (JUST KIDDING!)   You made a great point about communicating out on the course with other players..I never thought of that.  I'm not sure where this will all go, but obviously those running the LPGA show feel this is important.

forthefew- liked your last post a lot - and I sort of figured that we might be closer to the same page than what I first thought - I understand the idea or goal of players wanting to change something rather than being forced to change - and maybe just by having this discussion in such a public way both the LPGA and the players will make it all work out, who knows.  And I will give you the argument about players playing on other tours needing to learn those languages - but only if they are "members" of those tours - if it's a matter of US or other players being invited to play on the KLPGA or JLPGA for one tournament a year, then I think it's not their reponsibility to accept the language.  Most importantly, did you golf last weekend???

The more I thought about this the more I worry about what impact this might have on women's golf- after seeing Golf For Women die a somewhat slow death, and not being too crazy about the LPGA.com web site, is this just going to be one more thing that gets us off track?  I've heard that any press is good press, but I'm not really sure about this.

I need to read up a little more on the commissioner - it sounds like she doesn't have too many fans right now.

Here's a link to a memo from the LPGA Commissioner released today (9/2/08):

http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=17137&mid=4

Correct, but there's a problem that is bigger than the English and no one DAREs talk about it. NO ONE. Everyone knows what it is and I don't think there's a solution,. The result probably is that LPGA tour will lose much public interest over the coming years. 

Oh, they're talking about it, all right ... a quick search with your favorite engine will find many articles and forum references ... even in today's "gotta be PC" world, it still seems like we could have an open discussion on topics like this without it degrading into flaming and name-calling as I've seen in so many forums ... but I digress ... regardless of whether folks want to talk about it, it's a real problem that won't go away on its own ... I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if the new rule is going to have the desired positive impact in the long run, or if there may have been a better way for them to accomplish the same goals, but I have give them kudos for making a change that they think is necessary to keep their organization viable, especially when they had to know that that change was going to spark a ton of controversy ...

What is the problem no one dares talk about??  I'm sorry to be so dense, but I don't know what it is.