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LPGA turns language police

DAVID HUTTON

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:07 PM EST 26/08/08

Demand for fluency in English leaves international players teed off ...Read the full article

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  1. S M from Calgary, Canada writes: This is ridiculous the white bread Americans should learn to speak Korean.
    Some socialite b*t#h feels threatened by other cultures.
  2. Are We Having This Conversation Again from Toronto, Canada writes: Can you imagine this rule in the NHL? How many players can't speak English or have a difficulties answering questions in English!
    Nice....well done LPGA....anyone who can't speak English-CAN'T PLAY WITH US!
    (sarcasm for sure!!)
  3. Ryan Hickman from Canada writes: Note to the LGPA - 'Hot dang, them Asians be taking our money has gotsa stop.' is not proper English!
  4. ente EighteenEightyEight from Canada writes: Wow, what a great way to grow the sport and those all-important international audiences.
  5. Jack Kennedy from Canada writes: Awesome - all of those french jokers are next!!!!
  6. Rob C from Canada writes: Wow, that's racism. If they think the lack of popularity is due to lack of spoken English by foreign players, then the problem isn't the players, it's the idiots running the tour
  7. Stacy Parker from Calgary, Canada writes: I can see their point - the sponsors are very important. People in America are more likely to tune out if the players can't interact or comment in English; thus sponsors won't like it.

    It kind of sucks, but if the ladies really want to compete, they will learn some English so they can communicate. If I was on tour in another country, I would want to learn, and welcome the opportunity to learn the language.
  8. Erik Richards from writes: I guess the 'Whites Only' signs in the clubhouse were getting a bit worn. Less obvious if they just require a 'test'.

    Oh, and to Kate Peters, who said, 'This is an American tour. It is important for sponsors to be able to interact with players and have a positive experience.' The last time I checked, there were LPGA tours outside of the U.S., and plenty of participants (and winners) from countries other than the U.S. If you want to make it an American-only tour, go ahead.

    Thankfully most other sports don't have similar requirements. They instead to have the best players, and not be quite as concerned about the language. Imagine the number of players who would have been kicked out of their sport because they couldn't speak the language.

    LPGA committee members, give your head a shake!
  9. Hugh Draper from Vancouver, Canada writes: They didn't really explain why, apart from 'It is important for sponsors to be able to interact with players and have a positive experience.', which is conjecture.
  10. Jason Howlett from Princeton, writes: What is wrong with you people??? I'm talking about the people who posts that this is a bad thing.
    If you were say CN, Safeway, HSBC, or Evian, would you not want to be able to interview the winner in a language that your marketing towards? This is not an unreasonable request.
    Whats the point of a sponsor paying the winner any money if it does not promote the sponsors product or business? The point of sponsorship its to market your company and when you pay a person, they are your spokesman/woman
    I know that if I see someone speaking through a translator, I change the channel almost immediately because I can stand watching a three question interview take 10 minutes to complete.
    If you like watching people speak through a tranlator, watch C-span or a UN meeting.
  11. Patrick P-A from Canada writes: My stupid boss forced me to speak English as well. Just cause I'm working for a company that does business in English doesn't mean I should have to speak English as well!
  12. Mac- GLG from Canada writes: I can see Tiger and the other boys from the PGA social club learning Arabic. The LPGA should change it's name to the USPGA if they want to enforce this.

    I can see what sponsors want but they won't get all the best golfers at their tournaments.

    Will the PGA follow? Not likely.

    Smacks of arrogance.
  13. Jason Howlett from Princeton, writes: Do not even group this in with Racism. Racism is one of the worst evils in the world and the fact should not be glossed over by an article about sponsorship requirements/language requirements.
  14. Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: Corporate sponsorships are critical to each tour event. Twenty years from now, there could be few US-born players on the tour. Corporate presidents want to be able to joke around with the pros, play with them in the pro-ams, and have them pitch their products. You need to have players who can speak English and understand that this is entertainment -- otherwise the corporate revenue stream will evaporate. The LPGA is just getting ready.
  15. S B from Canada writes: What's next? Makeovers for ugly players?
  16. Solfest S from Canada writes: This is a wonderful policy change.

    After the english mandate will come the all LPGA players must wear bikinis mandate.

    After the bikini mandate will come the all LPGA players must look good in a bikini mandate.

    Then the Playboy Invitational .......

    Only in America.
  17. john moffitt from Canada writes: Only a few readers here seem to get the real point.
    This is about what the SPONSORS want , they pick up the tab.
    Why do you think the Canadian tournaments are struggling.
    The LPGA wants to stay alive and on television screens, you better complain to the SPONSORS guys and gals.
  18. Jim K from Canada writes: The PGA's slogan is 'These guys are good'. The LPGA wants to adopt the slogan 'These are the best English-speaking lady golfers'. That just rolls off the tongue. Of course it's racism - there are plenty of LPGA players that speak English. If the sponsorship opportunities go to the English-speaking players then let that be - the ones who won't learn English will be hit right in the purse. I don't understand why you'd want a tour that doesn't have all the best golfers regardless of the language they speak.
  19. Mark H from Columbus, IN, United States writes: 'S M from Calgary, Canada writes: This is ridiculous the white bread Americans should learn to speak Korean.'

    Or, maybe the Koreans could start their own multi-billion dollar league, then make those 'white bread Americans' speak Korean. The LPG is a company in America. Their rules rule.
  20. Wu'kong Sun from Burnaby, Canada writes: Of course, many of you are assuming an English market will be the default target of commerce in the future ... quite possible but some research of where the greatest growth of the game is occuring says otherwise.
  21. Brian Whyte from Nestleton, Canada writes: I guess its one way to get some of these Asians off tour so they will stop winning all the tournaments and give the spoiled American brats better odds.Can you imagine ANY other sport except elitist golf demanding the entrants speak English.Send all the Puerto Rican ball players home,the Russian hockey greats etc. It sure is a goog thing Michell speaks English so well.
  22. Rich Black from Toronto, Canada writes: This move will certainly reinforce the point that this is a US circuit. The LPGA could have embraced other cultures and tried to recruit sponsors from other nations, such as Samsung or Hyundai, who might wish to be associated with a multitude of Korean female golfers. By tying themselves to a single market, likely in decline, they've really missed an opportunity to be the global voice of women's golf. I wonder where the LPGA might be in 20 years or 50 years if they continue such policies.
  23. andy c from Canada writes: someone has already mentioned the NHL and the NBA and MLB have a growing number of international players. Ask any NFL owner what's more important, ablility to speak english or being able to run and catch a football like Randy Moss?
  24. Chris Land from Sudbury, ON, Canada writes: This is one of the most offensive thing's I've heard in a long time. What has speaking English have to do with someone's ability to play golf. I pray that many sponsors of the LPGA pull their money from this organization.
  25. Oswaldo I from Canada writes: Steroid testing would be more appropriate.
  26. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: Creepy, but it just goes to show that what we call 'sports' is only incidentally to do with athletics and primarily to do with an entertainment and marketing 'product'. Maybe the day when they have to send photos to show they're 'attractive enough for TV' won't be so long in coming after all. Hey, they're just one more kind of actor, right? However, I still can't help but find it a bit surreal that they would actually choose something like this over, say, I don't know, ability to play golf? So what if your golfers win all the games? Mine give nicer interviews after they lose!
  27. Stuck @ work from Vancouver, Canada writes: This is policy to keep spaces for 'English-speaking' golfers. Using sponsors as the main reason is only an excuse. What are they going to do next when all their Asian players become fluent in English? I can see it already 'LPGA to require players to eat with fork and knives and no fried chicken just in case'

    Sad day for golf.
  28. Webby 99 from Vancouver, Canada writes: I think it's discrimination that men cannot play on the LPGA tour. I mean, we are all supposed to be equal right? How dare they prohibit a segment of the population from playing in their tournaments purely based upon their gender.

    As my sarcasm suggests, bleeding heart liberals love throwing the 'R' word around whenever they can. This has nothing to do with race. It's language skills. And frankly, I wish Immigration Canada followed the same rules - it sucks being in a workplace where I can barely understand my coworkers!

    Bottom line, this tour is based and plays most of its events in the US. They can make whatever rules they want. And just as the men have an option to play on the PGA, any Asian that does not want to learn English can play on the Asian tour.
  29. Archie Gillespie from Canada writes: This has been brooding for a few years starting when sponsors and amateurs participating in ProAms spoke of the awkwardness of playing 18 holes with someone who didn't speak English. The pros are required to play in these tournaments as ambassadors of their sport, which in turn leads to corporate sponsorship, which in turn leads to actually having a tournament. For those other sports that have foreign players, in particular the team sports, I would suspect they are also required to learn English to better team mates. I mean you gotta know what play is being called right?
  30. Gogh Forit from Canada writes: Any of you who think this is racism, etc, ever heard the expression 'when in Rome......' . No, I didn't think so. If the Koreans or any other non english speaking golfer doesn't like it or doesn't want to comply they don't have to play on the LPGA. This argument wouldn't come up if the issue was the requirement of foreign pilots learning english. English is THE language in air travel and it's an absolute necessity that pilots regardless of nationality or origin learn the language recognized as the language for communication in flying. It seems to me that it is the world that desires the 'American lifestyle' as many cultures including all the Asian ones aspire to some degree to have American style liberties, technology, clothing, etc. and not the reverse. Chris Land from Sudbury: Most of the sponsors of the LPGA are American companies so there's not much chance that the tour will lose any sponsors from this initiative. It's not the issue of speaking english to play golf, it's an issue of being able to converse in the dominant language of the tour and while there are many Koreans on the tour, the recognized language Chris, is english. How many cars would you buy if all the instructions such as the owner's manual was only in the language of the manufacturer. You'd either have to learn Japanese, Korean, German or buy an American made car. Korean golfers want to be on the LPGA tour and so they should be learning the dominant language of the tour. Funny that there aren't any complaints of the European golfers in the LPGA.
  31. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: They make the rule change because the Koreans are winning. Americans are sore losers. I have enough of their whining in the Olympics every time they lose.
  32. Howard Young from Canada writes: Actually, ratings and viewership drives everything. Sponsors advertise in order to expose their brands and products to the masses.

    The language requirement should only matter if its believed that people are not watching on account of some players' inability to speak English.

    Last time I checked, the sport of golf transends language barriers. I'm pretty sure anyone who knows golf understands the rules and the object of the sport regardless of the language being used. The word 'Birdie' may not be understood by all, but everyone knows that's one less stroke than what's considered regulation.

    If sponsors don't like non-english speaking players, don't sponsor them! Let international companies sponsor these non-English players.

    What this is really about is English/American sponsors trying to grow an English/American audience. I guess they believe that more Englishs/Americans will watch if more of the non English speaking players spoke English.

    I don't necessarily believe that more English speaking players will grow the popularity of the game.

    I believe that more men watch sports (live or on TV) than women. The question is how to do you grow the female audience or entice more men into watching women's golf.
  33. Howard Young from Canada writes: Here's a suggestion, Samsung who is a title sponsor for one of the women's events should require that everyone learn to speak Korean.
  34. Mikey Gault from Dikes in Spikes, Canada writes: The LPGA should require the golfers to be attractive, or at least not fat. Too many of these 'golfers' look like cows mulching on the fairways. Makes me sick in any language!
  35. Webby 99 from Vancouver, Canada writes: Why is when there is a debate about minority rights, the first thing we apologetic Canadians say is 'why doesn't the majority learn their language/accommodate the minority'?

    Is there not some onus on the minority group attempting to join the majority to make the transition rather than the other way around??
  36. Keep It Real from Canada writes: Not surprise to hear this for the LGPA tour... there have been complaints from 'white' players that the Asians are taking over the tour...

    The whites are afraid of this so here it is... add this rule to make it difficult for the non-whites in the tour.

    So typical... Bigotry from whites as usual, pathetic indeed... Afraid of everything.
  37. Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes: I wonder if Coca Cola will remove its sponsorship of the Olympics unless all the athletes comepting learn to speak English!?

    I agree with the other posters to the effect that if corporate sponsors do not want to sponsor a non-English speaking athlete, then they should simply choose not to sponsor that athlete. Why everyone should speak English in order for Nike to maintain its sponsorship of Tiger Woods is besides me.
  38. Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes: To all those who seek to justify this proposed policy as simply being the end result of normal corporate behaviour, what would you say if corporate sponsors starting taking issue with sponsoring events in which so many muslims participated. Would a ban on muslim players be deemed acceptable?
  39. Neil B from Canada writes: So in the LPGA, having players able to say somethig boring to the media is more important than having the best players. Makes me wonder what interest sponsors and viewers have in the tour.
    And isn't the growing South Korean audience that these gofers bring in good for the LPGA?
  40. Ron Hartlen from Canada writes: Of course sponsers call the shots. All pro sports, at least in NA, have become in effect TV programs. And TV programs are about advertising.
    Why do you think we have to watch Tiger Woods most of the time, even if he's well out of contention? The sponsors obviously want lots of Tiger-face-time on the screen.
    As regards significant TV audiences, advertising potential etc the LPGA is pretty much irrelevant anyway, but if their sponsors want to call the shots, so be it.
    However, if there's to be an English test for the Koreans, perhaps there should be a skills test for the Americans, who can't seem to keep up.
    Also, the Americans might want to look ahead a bit. One day the prime tour, with the really elite players, may be one that operates in another language. So the Americans who want to play there may have to pass not only a skills test, but also a test in spoken Korean, or whatever.
  41. Bernard Szeto from Toronto, Canada writes: I don't think the NBA is complaining about the growth of their sport overseas due to the popularity of Yao Ming, Pau Gasol, Dirk Novitzki, Andrea Bargnani (hopefully) and others. And neither are their sponsors, perhaps the sponsors should get with the times, adapt and grow globally and take advantage of the international stars in their sport. Do you know how many American sponsors are loving the formerly non-english speaking Yao Ming for helping expand their business in China?? BY the way, Golf is the most racist/sexist sport in north america, i see it everytime on the course
  42. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: Eric From somewhere:
    You are talking about banning a religion from playing Golf.

    I'm not even sure the Koran allows Muslims to play golf, but that is beside the point.

    They are asking players to learn English. It's not racist, it's not anything.
  43. L M from Canada writes: Not bigoted, not racist - it's about the LPGA making players accessible to the press and public. It's their dime, paid for by their sponsors. If players want to particpiate and earn the big US bucks, they need to play by their rules. If they don't like it, stay home and make less.
  44. jay bow from ny, United States writes: if they don't like it - then don't play on the tour..... who do they think pays them?? don't they also understand the benefit to them??
  45. Let me tell You How It Is from United States writes: What are all the hypocritic Canadians complaining about? If you want to work for the Canadian Federal Government or any branch of it other than a toilet cleaner then Canadian suckers have to know and speak French. Total discrimnation.
    Anyway the LPGA is a US organization and not subject to fascist Canadian Human Rights Kangaroo Courts.
  46. Tucker Clark from Canada writes: I don't see this policy being such a terrible idea. These players, according to the LPGA, come from 26 different countries to play in a U.S. based tour. Their sponsors raise money for each event based on many different strategies. Of such strategies, the major concern is the LPGA running Pro-Ams. Honestly....what corporate sponsor wants to pay thousands of dollars to pay for whoever to play with some golfer who can't even entertain that client? Seriously. If this is about the financial viability of the LPGA tour, then each player on tour has to consider that certain requirements, besides just making birdies on Sunday afternoon, must be met in order to keep their job. Don't ever fool yourself, this tour is still an employer and can expect the players to meet reasonable prerequisites. I don't see the issue here, especially where you are talking about a business that heavily relies upon corporate sponsors, and where the corporate sponsors rely on U.S. exposure. On a side note, I thought the problem would have been in communicating with tour officials, rules officials, etc. You would think that the biggest problem would be in trying to run a proper tour, maintaining decorum, rules, etc. where a large contingent of players have no idea how to communicate with those around them. Seriously, how does a player who can't speak english ask a rules official for a ruling on something where they may be in disagreement, or don't understand what the ruling actually is?
  47. I_Hate_David Miller from Toronto, Canada writes: Man if only the Canadian Government would require something like this for immigrants.
  48. Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes: Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: 'Eric From somewhere:
    You are talking about banning a religion from playing Golf.

    They are asking players to learn English. It's not racist, it's not anything.'

    I realize that my example was a little far fetched but it's whole purpose was to demonstrate that the end can not always be used to justify the means.

    Furthermore, I never said that this policy was 'racist', a little xenophobic perhaps, but I agree that it is not 'racist'

    In any event, I find this decision sadly misguided. Can anyone think of another sporting tour or event that has such a language requirement? Olympics? FIFA World Cup? Formula 1 racing?
  49. Common Sense Matters from Canada writes: Should that be American Cowboy English or Queen's English?
  50. Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes: I would like to thank 'Let me tell You How It Is from United States' for his or her articulate and reasoned opinion on this matter.

    I may have to revise my earlier posts as I was under the impression that the LPGA was an international tour, kind of like the PGA. If it really is a 'U.S. tour, then I can not really object to this proposed policy.

    If, as I orginally suspected, the LPGA is an international - and not national - tour, then I remain of the view that this policy is misguided. Furthermore, and if such is the case, then the proper comparaison that 'Let me tell You How It Is from United States' should have drawn from is the upcoming winter Olympics in Vancouver rather than employment with the Canadian federal government.
  51. B Anderson from C'mon People let's not make this out to be more than what it is - Canada, Canada writes: The LPGA is a business and like any business it's what hit's the bottom line (or not) that determines these types of policy changes. The sponsors are applying pressure to the tour. I'm sure 100% of the players currently not speaking english will in fact learn the language enough to pass the 'test' - this is their livelihood - plus by learning english - which to my knowledge is still the 'unofficial' language of Big Business' it may help boost those player's earning potential by helping to attract additional endorsement offers from a broader business spectrum. This issue has nothing to do with racism or sexism or anyism. If the tour wants to address something with some bite to it - like 95% of all businesses in the world - let's address pay inequality. Take for example young Chez Reavie - first win at the RBC Canadian Open - earned approx 975,000$. Take Ms. Kaherine Hull winner of the CN Canadian Women's Open - earned approx. 375,000$.....
  52. David H from Calgary, Canada writes: What a breath of fresh air! Good on you USA! Imagine, a country that is confident and proud of their history and language. We speak English and worship the Lord, if you don't like it, don't come over. How I wish Canada had similar cojones.
  53. Muk Kok from Canada writes: This is what I'd call changing the rules when the U.S. are losing in their own games on their own turfs to outsiders.

    Lousy losers.

    Maybe the Iraqi will require all US soldiers to pass similar language test so that they stop killing innocent Iraqi civilians. Makes better sense to me than ladies trying to put a little ball into a small hole on the green.
  54. L M from Canada writes: Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    In any event, I find this decision sadly misguided. Can anyone think of another sporting tour or event that has such a language requirement? Olympics? FIFA World Cup? Formula 1 racing?

    Not relevant. In each of the above, events are held globally. The LPGA operates in the US, with all its events in the US. US media coverage drives sponsors and accessibility of the players drives media. It's a business decision and one the LPGA is entitled to make.
  55. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: Muk Kok:
    Tiger Woods is American.

    Sorenstam and Ochoa are Swedish and Mexican respectively. These are the dominating players, and they all have one thing in common:

    They SPEAK ENGLISH.

    Also nice try trolling in an Iraq war reference.
    Idiot.
  56. Archie Gillespie from Canada writes: Eric FromSomewhere: Golf is a unique sport that allows amateurs to play a round and be entertained one on one, get a few swing tips, hear some tour stories. Few others if any have that. It's these ProAms that help drive the sponsorship and prize money. I played in a Nationwide ProAM once and frankly it wouldn't have made any difference whether our pro spoke English or Martian. He said diddly and was generally miserable, he even bolted after the round without a nod. Each of us paid a grand to share an experience with him and we received very little out of it. Had I been a decision maker as far as sponsorship I would have been quite jaded.
  57. Webby 99 from Vancouver, Canada writes: I applaud this move. We need to able to verbally understand one another to get along. Someone's got to put their foot down sooner or later.

    I would love to have a sense of community where i live, but the immigrants on my block have no desire or sense of immediacy to learn english, so as they converse amongst themselves all I get is the occasional nod which I'll assume means 'hello.'
  58. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Pavel Datsyuk barely speaks a lick of English.

    No one on the Red Wings seems to care.

    He's still one of their top 2 forwards, and he plays the game mighty fine.

    Guess golf is a different beast.
  59. Eric Fromsomewhere from Ottawa, Canada writes: L M from Canada, I stand corrected. I really thought this was an international tour. Given that it is strictly a U.S. tour, a requirement that players speak English seems appropriate. Mea culpa!
  60. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: Webby99:
    That place you describe sounds like Toronto.

    Or in my neighbourhood, it is referred to as Sri Lanka.
  61. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Wu'kong Sun from Burnaby, Canada writes: Of course, many of you are assuming an English market will be the default target of commerce in the future ... quite possible but some research of where the greatest growth of the game is occuring says otherwise.

    your wise post, was unfortunately (but predictably) overlooked.

    You have to shout! Use Caps Lock, call people names, if you want to be heard.
  62. Common Sense Matters from Canada writes: Webby 99 from Vancouver ___________ You should move.
  63. Jason Howlett from Princeton, writes: 이 논쟁은 시간 낭비이다

    Ha!
  64. Al Tholl from writes: There can be no doubt about two key aspects: (1) Many American companies, including some sponsoring golf tournaments, are having their bottom lines affected in negative as opposed to positive ways
    and (2) It is certainly in the best interests of the LPGA, and all their players too, to do their utmost to keep their U. S. sponsors happy.

    We seem to be in a time and age where companies sponsoring golf tournaments could well use funds which they might save by dropping sponsorship to make their bottom lines look a little more palatable to their owners, no doubt most often company shareholders.
  65. dave ross from Canada writes: Just ban the game. Waste of time, space and attitude.

    Barring that, how many American (or Canadian for that matter) players learn to speak various Asian languages as they win money in South Korea, Japan, etc.? Turnabout is fair play?
  66. Farenheit 451 from Vancouver, Canada writes: A creative sponsor should be able to use the diversity of languages and backgrounds to their advantage. You don't need to speak English to play golf after all. Maybe they can start advertising their products in Asia - or do commercials with voice over or English sub-titles! Or they could step aside and let a Korean company become the new sponsor. Forcing players to take English lessons seems as if you are trying to fit the new world into the old world.

    Time to evolve to the next level sponsors!
  67. Steve I'm Not an Alberta Redneck from Calgary, Canada writes: What would you expect from a country that has the 'World' Series for baseball? Americans are generally unaware of what goes on outside their borders (and much of what goes on within, too) but professional sports are sacrosanct. Many live and die for it and care for little else. 'We're the best and should win everything' is the operating word in professional sport. To allow something else would be disallusioning for the fans.
  68. A A from Canada writes: So if they are losing sponsors in the US why not look to promote the sport in other countries like China and India where it's growing in popularity.

    I don't think it's an issue of racism. More of stupidity and lack of leadership. I hope more sponsors drop them because of the bad press.

    dumb move. Why is it Americans occasionally feel the world revolves around them?
  69. The Religious Left from Canada writes:
    Howard Young from Canada writes: Here's a suggestion, Samsung who is a title sponsor for one of the women's events should require that everyone learn to speak Korean.

    Samsung would be perfectly within their rights to do that. It's their money, they can decide who it goes to. The Korean golf tournaments could have the same requirement if their sponsor demanded it. Northing's stopping any of you from starting your own golf tournament.
  70. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Let me tell You How It Is from United States -

    While many might agree with you...I don't...Federal Gov't in a country with 2 official languages is a far cry from a private organization in the U.S.

    no?

    I just think it comes across the wrong way to many viewers. LPGA may lose international audiences, and they are presuming the US will be/currently is the world's dominant market. I just see them missing out on the globalization of their sport with this, but eh!

    Like a good Canadian, I politely respect our difference of opinions.
  71. Muk Kok from Canada writes: Juan Valaquez,
    How do you say bombs in Iraqi?
    That's why so many US soldiers got blown up in Iraq. Get my point Senor?

    The ladies are playing golf, not engaging in a academic debate over why their balls won't come back. Only lousy losers will try changing the rules to keep it to themselves.
  72. Howard Young from Canada writes: I can't help but wonder if the American sponsors would care about this language issue if they had Americans dominating. If Americans were dominatiing, U.S. viewership would likely increase and the sponsors would be tickled pink by the ratings.

    American sponsor (boss), Amercian golfer (employee). If the American sponsor needs more output (ratings), they should be asking their employees to become more productive (win more).

    So come on American players, go out and start winning more and actually earn your sponsor funded paycheque.
  73. The Religious Left from Canada writes:
    Howard Young from Canada writes: American sponsor (boss), Amercian golfer (employee)

    Errrr no. The problem is that American companies are sponsoring Korean golfers. And an American company is perfectly withing its rights to ask their employees to speak English. Especially when the job involves communicating with people.
  74. Common Sense Matters from Canada writes: Someone correct me if I am wrong please.

    When LPGA says they are an American Tour, do they just mean the headquarters are in the USA?

    Reason I am asking is I am almost certain the tour goes over to Asia (Japan, China, Singapore etc.) part of the year?
  75. beverley hillbilly from Stressville, Ontario, Canada writes: It's only been the past couple of years that Rafael Nadal has been able to say more than 'thank you' in english after winning matches. Tennis has long had non-english victors - swedes, romanians, russians, south american, belgians, etc - a lot of whom did not have more than rudimentary english skills (yes/no). But the ATP and WTA never made this a rule - they allowed the best to play - and over years of being on the circuit and winning - we have watched them improve their english skills as they accepted their trophies. It's been fun. For those of you who don't see this as a racist move, or as a defensive move by the LPGA - you're hiding behind the reality. It wasn't that long ago that they had to get Jan Stephenson to shut up re:ugly asians who were turning away golf enthusiasts/sponsors. It's been a regular feature of women's golf - guess they aren't secure enough in letting their clubs determine who's best. This was a bad marketing move by the LPGA - they could have introduced it more gently - now they have to deal with yet another misguided debacle. Golf, like tennis, is a sport full of etiquette. But etiquette transcends language. Hopefully, the top players know the etiquette and when they don't --- they deserve to be lambasted (like Michelle Wie for walking on the greens while others are playing, or John McEnroe, for well, being John McEnroe). Also remember, it's the truly great atheletes that lead by example - Roger Federer speaks 4 languages, Sydney Cosby made it a point to learn French when playing in Quebec, among others. It's always more powerful to highlight similar examples in each sport than to lead with negative enforcement.
  76. Petit Agneau from Toronto, Canada writes: First - the article was incredibly short and probably didn't present all the facts - definitely not enough for us to post too much of an opinion on racism and the lpga. Second - I don't think it is so unreasonable to ask participants to understand english - they're not asking for them to write english essays - they just want to be able to communicate and feel part of the tour. I went to beijing and having a translator still made me feel like i was in a bubble. Don't forget that they are willing to help them too if they fail the assessment.

    If you're participating in an international tour held by english speakers, you should probably know a bit of english. If you're participating in a Korean tour held by Korean speakers, you should probably know a bit of korean, no?

    Its not an exact analogy, but I'm willing to bet nobody here thinks its unreasonable to expect the lady at the tim hortons counter to understand english.
  77. beverley hillbilly from Stressville, Ontario, Canada writes: American companies who sponsor non-Americans aren't going after the American market. They are going after the market associated with the player - Japan, Hong Kong, China, Russia, etc - and possibly any cross-over market if that player happens to appeal to the Americans as well - like Yeo Ming....... American sponsors don't care if these players speak English - that's a load of crock. They care about 'face control' - what the player looks like and that they have a huge draw - like Rafael Nadal......

    We live in a globalized world. And if we aren't careful (about playing fairly and setting good precedents) it won't be long before we're all forced to learn Mandarin (or Hindu) whichever language it is that is being spoken by the world's majority (cause it ain't english).
  78. Petit Agneau from Toronto, Canada writes: David H from Calgary, Canada writes: What a breath of fresh air! Good on you USA! Imagine, a country that is confident and proud of their history and language. We speak English and worship the Lord, if you don't like it, don't come over. How I wish Canada had similar cojones.

    Hey David, why don't you move to the states if you loathe immigrants so much? That is what is great about canada - we accept people.
  79. George BrownIII from Christmas Island writes: Not too long ago blacks and asians were banned from most golf clubs. And when they started to win, the lpga is picking up new rules to keep them out. Imagine the outcry if soccer, hockey, cricket's requirement to speak either portuguese, german or hindi
  80. Forgive Me Lord from Canada writes: john moffitt from Canada writes: Only a few readers here seem to get the real point.
    This is about what the SPONSORS want , they pick up the tab.

    ******

    Where would we be without the wisdom reflected in john moffitt's comment. It's hard to imagine that some of us fools thought this about a golf tour featuring the best women golfer's in the world.
  81. Howard Young from Canada writes: The Religious Left from Canada writes: Howard Young from Canada writes: American sponsor (boss), Amercian golfer (employee) Errrr no. The problem is that American companies are sponsoring Korean golfers. And an American company is perfectly withing its rights to ask their employees to speak English. Especially when the job involves communicating with people. ------------------------------ International sponsors also fund English and non-English speaking golfers alike, so what's your point? I will set aside my suspicion that the U.S. sponsors are just POed that ratings are weak in the U.S. because not enough home grown golfers are winning and go along with your premise. American sponsors chose to sponsor the Korean golfers. Why did they do this, to appeal to a American consumers? That makes no sense. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure they were not blackmailed into sponsoring these players. Didn't the sponsors know what they were getting when they signed these non-English speaking players to a sponsorship deal? In simple terms, the sponsors want their cake and to eat it as well. They originally sponsored the non-English speaking golfers to appeal to the international audience, but now they want these same golfers to also appeal to an English audience (because there are not enough American eyeballs glued to the tube). If American sponsors wanted their non-English speaking golfers to speak fluent English from the word 'go', they should have stipulated it in their sponsorship contracts.
  82. fr mercer from english, Canada writes: HIRE THEM FOR IMMIGRATION CANADA....PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
  83. m yetman from Canada writes: Unfortunately no one commenting here outside of one or two individuals actually has any understanding of the LPGA tour and professional golf in general. So a little lesson is required to present the necessary background info for folks to make some relevant comments: a) The LPGA is US based and does play over 85% of its tournaments in the US with only a handful played outside the US market. The vast majority of its sponsors are US companies based in the US and directing its sponsorship of ladies golf to the american public - the reasoning is that more women play golf in the US both in total numbers and per capita than any where else in the world by a great margin. The idea of the sponsors is to target women golfers watching the women pros participating in the LPGA. Guess how many Korean women are watching a LPGA event on a sunday afternoon. Most likely it is less than all the women watching in the state of california alone. Sponsors of the LPGA are not sponsoring to women worldwide as a directive - if they happen to reach women worldwide it is an additonal benefit. It also defeats the purpose of the sponsors to hand a 6 figure cheque to the winner who cannot in turn thank the sponsor for the support and tell the american public what wonderful things company X does for women and women golfers. b) Pro-AM's are a vital part of the sponsors objective and a key to survival and growth of the LPGA. In a pro-am 3 amateur golfers (sponsors) pay a fee for the privelage to play golf with a pro. Conversation is important here and the sponsors are you guessed it speakers of the english language. Kinda hard to play a round of golf with someone who can't talk to you (who's going to play for that privelage?) If the LPGA is to survive it has to take away any hurdles standing in its way to attract and keep sponsors. The particapants not being able to thank you without the aid of a tranlator is one such barrier I would venture to say.
  84. fr mercer from english, Canada writes: ' O CANADA WE NEED YOU SO!
  85. Forgive Me Lord from Canada writes: The land of the free, so they say (but only in English)

    This is really going to hurt my chances of getting an LPGA tour event in Quebec.
  86. Jim Hester from Canada writes: You are not required to speak English on either the Mens or Womens European tours.

    Lots of different languages there including many Asian languages.
  87. The Religious Left from Canada writes:
    Howard Young from Canada writes: International sponsors also fund English and non-English speaking golfers alike, so what's your point?

    My point is that these international sponsors can demand that English golfers speak that Bushman language with clicks and whistles while wearing a fedora if they want. When you offer someone money, you can put whatever strings on it you want. Yes they want their cake and to eat it too, they paid for the damn cake. If these players don't want the money they can walk away. Companies spend their money where they think it will turn a profit, not where you think is fair.
  88. Common Sense Matters from Canada writes: Now that all Asians are going to abandon golf.

    Maybe Clublinks and the rest of the private clubs would lower their initiation fees so I can afford to join?
  89. Howard Young from Canada writes: m yetman from Canada writes: Unfortunately no one commenting here outside of one or two individuals actually has any understanding of the LPGA tour and professional golf in general.

    Simple answer, American sponsors should stop sponsoring non-English speaking golfers if they don't like it. However, they will never stop. Why won't they stop, because they keep winning and get a lot of camera time (i.e. Koreans), sponsors love camera time.

    If they stopped sponsoring them I would at least have some respect for them from a business standpoint. However, having the LPGA do their bidding because they are either too two-faced or impotent is another matter.
  90. Howard Young from Canada writes: The Religious Left from Canada writes:

    When you offer someone money, you can put whatever strings on it you want. --- No you can't thats why you have contracts. If it's in their contracts, issue addressed. If not, to bad for them.

    Yes they want their cake and to eat it too, they paid for the damn cake. If these players don't want the money they can walk away. --- Sponsors can walk away if they like as well and allocate their marketing budgets to other English speaking players, but they won't because they're not winners who get lots of camera time.
  91. m yetman from Canada writes: Allot of folks comparing the LPGA to the Olympics and other pro sports ie NHL, NBA etc and inciting that you don't see anything like this anywhere else. Really pro golf is different than every other sporting event. Sponsors actually award the athletes for their preformance in golf. That is to say that the sponsor provides the payout and reward for winning directly - the golfer gets a check from the sponsor. And the sponsor gets instant promotion from the athlete who says a few words of thanks to the sponsor and tells the world what a great job sponsor X does for the game of golf etc. This is different from sponsorship in the olympics and other pro sports. You don't see Coca Cola (who is an olympic sponsor) walk up the olympic gold medalist and say here is your medal from coca cola now would you like to say a few words of thanks for us in providing you with the medal and all we do for athletes worldwide? You also don't see a corporation walk out to centre ice after a hockey game and present a cheque the winning team and say congradulations on winning the game would you care to say a few words of thanks on our behalf? As such, the sponsors of the LPGA has everyright to want the winners to say thank you to the viewing audience in a language the viewers speak - and that language is english. Furthermore what the LPGA with this directive is trying to do is get its players to learn english quicker and to a greater degree than some of its players may believe is neccessary. They are not trying to prevent anyone from playing on the tour and winning - they are trying to prevent someone from standing in the 18th green with a 6 figure cheque in hand and saying thank you in korean or japanese because thay cannot speak directly in the language of the viewers that the sponsor is trying to market too.
  92. David H from Calgary, Canada writes: How my comments were misconstrued into an anti immigrant rant is beyond me. I am not anti immigrant. I simply believe that it is not unreasonable to expect new citizens to integrate into our society. Learn one of the official languages and respect our history, religious holidays and don't demand that we change. When Canadians can no longer sing Christmas carols, have a public Christmas tree and say the Lord's Prayer I get nauseous.
  93. Jim Hester from Canada writes: In Golf sponsors choose who they want to wear their logo and use their clubs and balls etc. If they don't want to sponsor one golfer or another then that's that. There are many reasons why they choose who they do but language is hardly one of them. They want TV viewers to see the logo on the cap, bag, shirt etc and then feature them in TV and print ads where they rarely utter a word.

    Tournament sponsors and the LPGA are not really happy about having a winner (Korean, Mexican, Spanish or otherwise) unable to talk to the press and TV afterwards. When the winner is interviewed on the 18th green having just won the Womens US Open and she has to use a translator then the LPGA, tournament sponsor and TV see this is a negative.

    This is about money. No TV money then the purses go down. No TV coverage then the LPGA slips off the sporting radar.
  94. Howard Young from Canada writes: m yetman from Canada writes: Allot of folks comparing the LPGA to the Olympics and other pro sports ie NHL, NBA etc and inciting that you don't see anything like this anywhere else. Really pro golf is different than every other sporting event. Sponsors actually award the athletes for their preformance in golf. That is to say that the sponsor provides the payout and reward for winning directly
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    There in lies the rub. If I were an Ochoa or a Tseng and couldn't speak English I could play without sponsors and still manage to pick up the big cheque on day 4. The sponsors are indeed vexed by this, but if the American players could elevate their game this wouldn't even be a discussion. If the LPGA had a Tigress Woods on the prowl who consistently won the majority of the tournaments they wouldn't care about the non-English speaking players. Its the very fact that the non-English speaking players keep winning. Since they can't keep them out o the winners circle by knee capping these players a la Tonya Harding, they ask the LPGA to institute an English language requirement to keep them out if they don't pass the test.