Opinion & Analysis
Bishop’s exit clears way for eradication of sexism in golf
On Thursday, newly ex-PGA of America President Ted Bishop responded to criticism Ian Poulter levied against Nick Faldo in Poulter’s new book, first by calling Poulter a “lil girl” in a now-deleted post on Twitter, and subsequently elaborating that insult with a Facebook post that likened Poulter to “a little school girl squealing during recess.” Some 24 hours later, the PGA stripped Bishop of his title with only a month before he was to surrender it to another.
By swiftly and decisively removing Bishop from his post, the PGA of America has made the statement that they, at least, support a notion that is long overdue for acceptance as obvious in American society — that women are equal to men. By likening Poulter to a girl or a woman in order to insult him, Bishop implicitly supported the draconian view that women are somehow lesser beings than men.
As Bishop might say: “C’MON MAN!”
Bishop’s high-profile ouster from the PGA of America indicates that the organization believes that the days of men getting away with insulting men by likening them to women should be over. If the PGA is going to stand by the statement made by its actions Friday, it needs to keep hammering away at the notion that women are indeed welcome in golf.
This whole affair represents a very real opportunity for golf to make some headway in its current major struggle: growth of the game. Women make up less than one-fifth of all American golfers, according to National Golf Foundation statistics. Is it any wonder that their numbers are so small when the overriding atmosphere of the game is one of male dominance? If women played 50 percent more rounds of golf than they currently do, the game would be markedly healthier. Given the size of the potential pool of new women golfers, that number is not at all unrealistic.
Augusta National Golf Club accepted its first female members in 2012, and the R&A voted to follow suit just last month. With Friday’s decision, whether it planned to or not, the PGA very publicly embraced a trend in golf. Maybe it’s time for an update of the succinct, effective “I Swing Like A Girl” ad from the USGA.
But where do we go from here? How do we, avid golfers, help this effort?
A nice start would be to eliminate sexist statements from male golf chatter.
- “Nice shot, grandma.”
- “Try not to trip over your skirt on your way off the green.”
- “GOLF: Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden.”
- “Hit it, Alice!”
- “Does your husband play golf?
I don’t have children, but if I have a daughter one day, I would like for her to feel comfortable learning to love golf, to feel like a golf course is a place where she belongs. One way to ensure that future is to train the current and future generations of male golfers to seriously accept girls and women as equals. Here’s hoping the PGA of America and other male golfers want the same.
Opinion & Analysis
Brandel Chamblee PGA Championship Q&A: Rose’s huge McLaren risk, distracted LIV pros and why Aronimink suits the bombers
PGA Championship week is here, and Brandel Chamblee did not hold back in our latest discussion ahead of the season’s second major.
In our 2026 PGA Championship Q&A, golf’s leading analyst made the case that PIF pulling LIV’s funding has left its players competing in a state of confusion, called Justin Rose’s mid-season equipment switch a huge risk at 45, and explained why Aronimink will be a bombers’ delight this week.
Check out the full Q&A below.
Gianni: With the PIF confirming that they’re pulling funding from LIV at the end of the season, what impact do you expect that to have on the LIV players competing at the PGA Championship?
Brandel: I would imagine that they have all been thrown into a state of confusion, and will be distracted, not knowing where they are going to play next year and not knowing exactly their road back to either the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour. Or in Rahm’s case, being tied to a sinking ship for the next few years, likely playing for pennies on the dollar in events that no one cares about or watches.
I doubt this would put him in the best frame of mind to compete at his highest level. Keeping in mind, however, that majors are the only time that LIV disciples get to play in events that matter, so never disregard the motivation they have to prove to the world they are still relevant.
Gianni: Justin Rose switched to McLaren Golf equipment mid-season while playing some of the best golf of his career. What do you make of the change?
Brandel: I don’t really know what to make of Rose switching equipment. It seems a huge risk on his part, even though it is likely, in my opinion, that the clubs he’s playing are similar, if not the exact grinds, to what he was playing previously, with a McLaren stamp on them.
Having said that, at best, it is a distraction when he seemed to be as dialed in with his game as any 45-year-old could be and trending in the majors to perhaps do something that would definitely put him in the Hall of Fame. At worst, given the possibility that these clubs aren’t just duplicates of his old set stamped with McLaren on them, he’s made an equipment change that would take time, and 45-year-old athletes don’t have the time to do such things.
Gianni: Aronimink has only hosted a handful of professional events since it hosted the 1962 PGA Championship. What kind of test does it present, and does a course with less recent major championship history tend to level the playing field?
Brandel: Even though Aronimink has only hosted a handful of meaningful professional events, it has been fairly discerning in who can win there. When Keegan Bradley won the BMW Championship on the Donald Ross masterpiece in 2018, he was the 2nd best iron player on tour coming into that week. When Nick Watney won the AT&T at Aronimink in 2011, he was 2nd in strokes gained total coming into the week.
In 2020, Aronimink hosted the KPMG Championship, and Sei Young Kim won. On the LPGA that year, she was first in greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, and scoring average on the way to being the LPGA player of the year. And then there is the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player, who eventually became just one of a few players to win the career grand slam on the way to winning 9 majors. It is a formidable test, and if it’s not softened by rain, it will bring out the best in the upper echelons of the game.
Gianni: Is there a specific hole at Aronimink that you think will do the most to decide the winner?
Brandel: The hardest hole at Aronimink in each of the three tour events that have been played there since 2010 has been the long par-3 8th hole, with the par-4 10th being the second hardest, so most of the carnage will happen around the turn, but with the par-5 16th offering opportunities for bold plays and the tough closing holes at 17 and 18, the finish is likely to be frenetic.
Gianni: The PGA Championship has always sat in the shadow of the other majors. What does the ideal PGA Championship look like in your eyes, and what would it take for it to carve out its own identity?
Brandel: The PGA Championship, to whatever degree it suffers from the comparison to the other three majors, is still counted just as much when adding them up at the end of one’s career. Almost 1/3 of Nicklaus’ major wins were the five PGA Championships he won. Walter Hagen won 11 majors, five of which were PGA Championships.
Tiger Woods twice in his career won back-to-back PGA Championships, and those four majors count just as much as the other 11 he won. The PGA may not have the prestige of the other three, but it carries the same weight. Having said that, I preferred the identity that it had as the last major of the year.
Gianni: You nailed your Masters picks. Rory won, Scottie finished solo second, and Morikawa surged to a tie for seventh. Who are your top 3 picks for the PGA Championship and why?
Brandel: I am not a huge fan of majors played on golf courses that have been shorn of most of the trees, although I understand some of the agronomic reasons for doing so and of course the ease with which it allows members to play after errant drives. However, at the highest level, it all but eliminates any strategy off the tee and turns professional golf into an even bigger slugfest. That means that it will likely be a bomber’s delight this week, but fortunately, Scottie Scheffler is long enough to play that game and straight enough to play it better than anyone else.
The major championships give us very few surprises anymore, going back to the beginning of 2012, so the last 57 majors played, the average world rank of the winners has been better than 15th in the world. So look at the highest ranked and longest drivers who are on form coming into the PGA Championship who also have great short games as the surrounds at Aronimink are very challenging. That’s Scottie Scheffler by a mile and then McIlroy and Cameron Young with a far bigger nod towards DeChambeau than I gave him at the Masters.
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we dive into one of the most interesting flatstick releases of the year with a full review of the new TaylorMade SYSTM 2 putters. After spending time on the greens, I break down what makes this design stand out, where it performs, and why it has me completely torn between loving it and fighting it. If you are into feel, alignment, and consistency, this is one you will want to hear about.
We also take a look at some of the putters in play on the PGA Tour last week. From familiar favorites to a few surprising setups, there is always something to learn from what the best players in the world are rolling with under pressure.
To wrap things up, I walk through the process of building a set of JP Golf Prime irons paired with Baddazz Gold Series shafts. From component selection to performance goals, this is a deep dive into what goes into creating a unique custom set and why this combo has been so intriguing.
This year my 50th birthday. Gosh, where has the time gone?
As a teenager in rural Missouri, some of my junior high and high school years felt interminable. Graduation seemed light years away. But the older I get, the faster life seems to fly by.
I’m also increasingly aware of my mortality. My dad died recently. Earlier this year, a friend and fellow PGA of America professional and I were texting about our next catch-up. The next message I received was news of his unexpected passing at 48. Shortly after, a woman I dated in college succumbed to cancer at 51.
Certainly, one can share perspective at any age. Seniors help freshmen, veterans guide rookies. But reaching this milestone feels like as good a time as any to do one of those “what would I tell my younger self?” articles.
I’ve had a uniquely varied career in golf. I started as a 27-year-old, average-length-hitting, 14-handicap computer engineer and somehow managed to turn pro before running out of money, constantly bootstrapping my way forward. I’ve won qualifiers and set venue records in the World Long Drive Championships, finished fifth at the Speedgolf World Championships, coached all skill levels as a PGA of America professional, built industry-leading swing speed training programs for Swing Man Golf, helped advance the single-length iron market with Sterling Irons®, caddied on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, and played about 300 courses across 32 countries.
It’s been a ride, and I’ve gone both deep and wide.
So while I can consult and advise from a lot of angles, let me keep it to a few things I’d tell the average golfer who wants to improve.
1. Think About What You Want
Everyone has their own reason for picking up a golf club.
Oddly, as a professional athlete, I’m not internally driven by competition. That can be challenging, as the industry currently prioritizes and incentivizes competition over the love of the game.
For me, I love walking and being outdoors. Nature helps balance my energy. I prefer courses that are integrated into the natural beauty of their surroundings. I’m comfortable practicing alone. I’m a deep thinker, and I genuinely enjoy investigating the game, using data and intuition to unearth unique, often innovative insights. I’m fortunate to be strong and athletic, so I appreciate the chance to engage with my abilities. Traveling feels adventurous. I could go on.
You don’t have to overthink it like I do. For you, it might be as simple as hitting balls to escape work, hanging out with friends, and playing loosely with the rules and the score.
The point is to give yourself permission to play for your own reasons, and let that be enough.
But if improvement is your goal, thinking about your destination—and when you want to get there—is important, because it dictates the steps you need to take. When I set out to go from a 14-handicap to the PGA TOUR as quickly as possible, the steps I needed were very different from those of a working golfer trying to break 90 in six months. That’s also different from someone who just wants a few peaceful hours outside each week, away from work or family.
None of these goals are better than the others, but each requires a different plan that you can work backward from.
2. There Are Lots of Things That Can Work
One of the challenges of golf is that, although there are rules for playing, there aren’t clear, industry-wide standards for how to best play the game. There’s a lot of gray area.
You might hear a top coach or trainer insist that a certain move is the best way to swing or train. Then you dig a bit deeper and, much to your confusion and frustration, another respected coach or trainer says something completely different. I don’t think anyone is trying to confuse you—at least I hope not. It’s just where the industry is right now.
You have to be careful with advice from tournament pros, too. They might be great at scoring, but they’re also human and sometimes just as susceptible as amateurs to believing things that don’t really move the needle. Tour players might describe what they feel, but that’s not always what they’re actually doing when assessed with technology.
I recently ran a test on my YouTube channel (which connects to my GolfWRX article “How to use your hands in the golf swing for power and accuracy”), and, interestingly, two of the most commonly taught hand actions produced the worst results in the test.
Coaches can certainly help. If you find someone you connect with to help navigate, that’s great. But there are many ways to get the ball in the hole. In the current landscape, you may need to seek multiple opinions, think critically, and use your own intuition to discern what seems true and whose advice resonates with you.
I’d recommend seeking someone who is open-minded and always learning, because things constantly change. Absolutes like “correct” or “proper” should raise a red flag. AI can be useful, but it tends to confidently repeat popular advice, so proceed with caution.
3. Get Custom Fit
If you’re serious about becoming a better player, getting custom fit is hugely important. There’s no sense fighting your equipment if you don’t have to. Most better players get fit these days and, if they don’t, they’re usually skilled enough to work around clubs that aren’t ideal.
If you plan to play for a long time, it’s worth spending a little more upfront to get something that truly fits you and your game, rather than continually buying and discarding equipment.
Equipment rules haven’t really changed significantly since the early 2000s. To stay in business, manufacturers keep pushing those limits. If you pull a bunch of clubs and balls off the rack and test them, you’ll find differences. I’ve tested two new drivers and seen a 30-yard total distance gap. Usually, the issue isn’t bad equipment; it’s that the combination of components simply isn’t the best fit.
It’s like wearing a new pair of floppy clown shoes. Sure, they’re shoes—but you won’t sprint your best in them compared to track shoes that fit perfectly.
Be wary of what’s called custom fitting, too. Sometimes the term is used as a marketing strategy rather than an actual fitting. In some retail settings, fitters may be incentivized to steer you toward higher-priced components. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s not the best fit, but you should be aware of potential biases.
I learned a version of this lesson outside of golf. Years ago, I bought a tennis racquet at a big box store from a seemingly knowledgeable employee who thought it would suit me best. The racquet gave me tennis elbow, and I spent months recovering with rest and acupuncture. The next season, I invested more time and money to find what actually fit me, and I walked away with something amazing that I still play with years later.
So if you’re going to get fit, be smart about it.
Find someone you believe has deep knowledge—possibly with certifications, but not necessarily. Make sure there’s a wide inventory across many brands. Check recent reviews for the individual fitter if possible. Make sure you trust that the fitter has your best interests at heart. If they’re wearing a hat or shirt with a specific brand’s logo, proceed with caution. Unless you specifically want a certain brand or look, be wary of upsells, especially if two options perform nearly the same.
Also, while golf is called a sport of integrity, there’s a thread of manipulation in the industry. I once drafted an equipment article for an industry magazine, structured just like one of their previous popular stories, with matching word count and great photos. The assistant editor loved it; it was useful to readers and required little work on his part. But the editor-in-chief nixed the story. When I asked why, I was told it was because I wasn’t an advertiser. It turned out the article I’d modeled mine after was a paid ad cleverly disguised as editorial content.
I really dislike games, clickbait, and fear-based manipulation. I hope this changes, but golfers deserve to know it exists.
4. Distance and Strategy Matter
There’s a real relationship between how far you hit the ball and your scoring average, even at the PGA TOUR level.
I experienced this early in my pro career. I started as a power hitter, swinging in the high 120s and breaking 200 mph ball speed with a stock driver.
Back then, some instructors advised swinging at 80%, so I tried slowing down for more accuracy. That worked fine on shorter, tighter courses. But on longer setups, I was coming into greens with too much club, and par 5s stopped being
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Rodan
Nov 2, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Typical media response, instead of writing based on the facts you have inferred what TB meant when he said what he said, you are the problem here! Was he discriminating against little girls??? I don’t know, do little girls squeal more than others???? Probably. Just like little boys squeal more than men…..
Really, besides Ian Poulter is a self absorbed “toolbox” (oh no, I just insulted a toolbox!) look at his social media posts……all his cars, private jets….etc. He may have more stuff, so what?
Ponjo
Oct 31, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Squealing like little boy doesn’t sound right 🙂
wineyax
Oct 31, 2014 at 1:51 pm
You make TED BISHOP look like COUNT DRACULA.
Its just not fair IMHO.
Jecarnl
Oct 29, 2014 at 1:34 pm
What a PC bull crap.
snowman
Oct 28, 2014 at 12:17 pm
The Headline of this article is complete rubbish and the content is PC BS. This article should have been Published in Ms. or Cosmo. Do you honestly think firing Bishop will do Anything to bring more women into the game or whatever it is that the PC police are advocating? No Way!. What a bunch of PC Drivel.
Ruben Acosta
Oct 30, 2014 at 9:32 am
There does seem to be a lot of male chauvinism in golf, this is just one example of how it can manifest. I think that Bishop’s reply was inappropriate and meant to be derogatory. One way we chide each other is to say something that will provoke the other. His mistake was that it also provokes many others. I think if Golf really wanted to “grow” the game they would put their efforts to those areas that have the most growth potential. That area is the LPGA and its tournaments. If you look at just what has happened in the last decade you have the FedEx people make up this desperate attempt to make their own major. They tell us how important early season points are and demand attention to that , but when it comes to it anybody wins playoff tournament it negates all those prior performance. I think they should take half of that money and devote it to LPGA and building purses. Another inequity is Golf Channel, their coverage of LPGA is pitiful and they will repeat play of PGA events more than once. And also since they seem to have trouble realizing the value of some of their best women sportcasters such as Winn McMurry and Holly Sonders. Forget about the FedEx and how important it is, this year the guy won 13.5 million dollars. I mean is this really a valid outcome? I am glad for Billy and he did play great at the end of this season but I don’t like how FEDEX tries to be more important than it is.
Bill
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:32 pm
Really lame, inaccurate take Rueben. Poulter deserved to be called out for HIS stupid comments. Bishops reply may have been unprofessional at best. Wuss, little girl etc fits Poulter for his take on Faldo. Gavrich (the author) is using this unrelated incident to grind a mythical ax against sexism.
The author is mixing fictional politics with fact and landing way off target. Non story at best.
Johnny
Oct 28, 2014 at 11:55 am
Bishop’s exit clears the way for the eradication of sexism in golf?
Seriously? That has to be one of the most ignorant statements I have read in the coverage of this story. And there have been many such statements to choose from.
Jafar
Oct 28, 2014 at 10:32 am
This is dumb.
Everyone involved in this looks really stupid.
I don’t even want to comment anymore, I hope this story gets buried after this week.
Scooter McGavin
Oct 28, 2014 at 9:24 am
I am seeing way too many comments saying “men and women ARE different”. That is not the point. Let me repeat. That is not the point. The point is that it is offensive and sexist to use calling someone a girl as an insult. It’s the same as how we are trying to quit calling people or things “gay” as an insult, because it is demeaning to gay people. Most of you are not getting it because you are, for the most part, white, heterosexual men, and as such, are not typically on the receiving end of these slurs. Just because you have not had your race, gender, or sexual orientation used as a demeaning slur, does not mean that it is not offensive to others that have had it happen to them. In the United States, at least, racial minorities, LGBT’s, and women have had to come from behind from being second class citizens, and each time someone says an insult like “lil girl” (or its equivalent with racial minorities and LGBT’s) it only succeeds in slowing down the progress we are making with achieving equality, understanding, and acceptance. Again, just because your race and gender have not had to go through the same issue does not mean it is not a serious reality.
John
Oct 28, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Great article and well said Scooter. Unfortunately, thoughtful posts ike yours get buried in the cascade of reactionary nonsense that forums on golfwrx are well known for.
Jeremy
Oct 28, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Finally. Thank you for framing it the right way.
502 to Right
Oct 29, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Yes, it is the point.
Buggs
Oct 28, 2014 at 8:58 am
Stupid article.
markhd
Oct 27, 2014 at 5:23 pm
C’mon, folks. This will keep happening as long as organizations keep telling 60-year-old guys that they “have to engage on social media” in order to market effectively. This is simply and wholly a marketing breakdown within the PGA. Handing a Twitter account to a CEO from past generations is roughly the same as handing a shotgun to a duck. They should not have fired Mr. Bishop. They should certainly have fired whomever is in charge of marketing and PR at the PGA. Yes, Mr. Bishop should have known he was holding a weapon of personal destruction when he picked up his cell phone or tablet of choice. His bad. But ultimately, his organization’s marketing people should never, ever have let him put his head on that block.
Forewarned is forearmed, and Lord knows these sorts of organizations have seen this carnage too often in the past. Just dumb. Tragic, yes. But mostly dumb.
Patricknorm
Oct 27, 2014 at 4:52 pm
The people I play golf with don’t comment like many of you do on this site. What I mean is that whether I play in a sanctioned tournament or a friendly Sunday morning skins game we don’t throw away lines like Ted Bishop did. We are to a fault quite polite and aware of each other’s peculuarites.
Most of you are focusing on what he said rather than its context. If I’m a PGA member I want my head guy to be professional and a good leader.
If Ted Bishop is meant to be the talking head for the PGA then it’s pretty hard to attract strong sponsors with this kind of throw away line. Regardless of what you think of Poulter, he wasn’t wrong.
Is this article overly sensitive? Depends on your context. If I’m playing with another CEO I’d choose my words carefully.
If I’m hanging with my 20 something buddies then anything goes. Ted Bishop in his capacity was better off saying zero.
James
Oct 27, 2014 at 3:26 pm
When did men become the enemy of women and why? Political correctness is wrecking society. As much as everyone would LOVE to have a utopia where all are equal it isn’t a reality among human beings. Not everyone is the same and men and women are totally different even in many ways other than physical. Men like to look at pretty pictures of women and women tend to prefer the romance of the written word. Men are visual and women verbal if you will.
Seems to me these days, people are looking for stuff to claim “offense” over. Everyone is a victim of some unseen force apparently.
chad ryan
Oct 27, 2014 at 2:43 pm
If you think a man should be fired for saying “little girl” then you are also a little girl. There is nothing offensive to women about saying that. And i’m sorry but newsflash to all you PC people – women, especially little/young ones (as bishop was inferring) ARE IN FACT weaker than grown men. This will come as a shock to everyone who thinks that women play from the red tees that are 100 yds in front of the men’s tees simply because they prefer the color. Furthermore – one of the great aspects of the Rider cup is the US vs euro rivalry. If Phil mickelson had tweeted the same thing he would have been praised for supporting his team. I feel sorry for Mr Bishop, he really got thrown under the bus for nothing. And by the way….”SEXISM IN GOLF”? give me a break. You want golf to be “un-sexist”? Make the women play from the same tees as men. That would be unsexist. You want an even playing field? play from the tips like everyone else.
Bill
Oct 27, 2014 at 3:31 pm
“Bishop’s exit clears way for eradication of sexism in golf”
So Mr. Bishop was the only barrier standing in between us and a game free of sexism? Golf is the most elitist, sexist, racist, and exclusive game in the world. Firing one old white guy is meaningless.
Also can you get fired for saying the sky is blue?
loubdoobe
Oct 27, 2014 at 9:06 am
Seriously, get over the political correctness. Women are physically weaker than men and losing your sense of humor over a figurative expression is asinine.
Bruce Wayne
Oct 27, 2014 at 11:49 am
Agreed. Bishops remark was not sexist. This story is being blown up way to much. At worst it was just a little banter on social media which was probably not the best place to do it. This story is an example of political correctness being taken way to far. I wonder if Bishop would have called Poulter a peacock for the flamboyant manner in which he dresses if Bishop would have been fired for violating animal rights for racially stereo typing an animal. This is just rediculous.
Jeremy
Oct 27, 2014 at 12:13 pm
The comment had nothing to do with physical strength.
dapadre
Oct 27, 2014 at 6:23 am
I agree totally with the comment from the former PGA prez. I dont think it was meant to be sexist and was referring to little girls squealing as one may refer to boys being rascally. Now taken that from his position its not professional I think a suspension or penalty would have been the correct thing to do. I mean Ian P is not exactly Golfs choir boy (ooeps is that PC or is that allowed or will I also no be banned by Golfwrx).I live in Europe and believe me Ian P.has done some crazy things.
I do believe that this was done to MARKET their toughness. Look at the statement the Russian Tennis President made.I found that to be more hurtful. Note I may have missed it but did anyone complain from the LPGA? Its irritating when groups are so-called protected (in this case women) when they could care less.Whats the next step, can I refer to my golf pal who happens to be white as Bro. Im black and this term can be traced back to the black community. Can we see how silly this is becoming. I hope they dont think by toughening up this will bring more golfers back.
As for Ian P.I dont think he wanted this to happen, BUT the gods of golf are watching. When you point one finger three are pointing back at you. Karma is a B…h ( can I say that now actually).
Mad-Mex
Oct 26, 2014 at 11:33 pm
So, are they still trying to figure out why golf is loosing players?
Tyler
Oct 26, 2014 at 9:41 pm
Men and women ARE different. I respect that Golfwrx, due to it’s profile and relationship with so many manufacturers and advertisers (and same for its partner Golf Digest) must write such an article to score points with said other parties, but that doesn’t mean golf is a sport for sexists. Ted Bishop made a very strange comment, and probably wasn’t fit for his former position. That said, Ian Poulter is whiney, and annoying to listen to – all the way down to his angry birds/boy band haircut. He really does need to shut up because he really isn’t half the player Faldo is or was. Bishop was not wrong on that point. Again though, very strange choice of comments, perhaps a few less cocktails before taking to social media next time Ted.
Regarding women and ‘growing the game’ through their demo, my girlfriend enjoys playing golf, but her ceiling is about one hour and then she loses interest. Also, she will NEVER pay more than $300 for a cheap matched set, and she didn’t play baseball or softball so it’s as foreign to her as me trying to apply foundation or explain the term hypoallergenic! For 90% of american women this is the case. I’d you want to pull in the female demographic you need to simplify the game and the experience, and drop the entry level expense. Such as a 150yd tee for casual ladies, do more to popularize 9 hole rounds so they can get in and out without killing everyone else’s round, and talk the big boy manufacturers into creating sets for everyday ladies who aren’t interested in breaking 90. But also aren’t willing to blow cash on some overly cheap Walmart set.
Or you could just accept that the golf industry is driven by men -who are more interested to ogle cart girls and are susceptible to being sucked into the allure of a cleverly marketed $400 driver (which they can’t fly 250 straight). Ie, the type to retreat back to the club and tweet from the cherrywood and leather adorned friendly confines of the boys club.. Ie, Ted Bishop..
When the golf industry is ready to disrupt ITSELF.. ESPECIALLY GOLFWRX AND GOLF DIGEST (who peddle clubs the average man or woman can scarcely afford).. expect NO change, just more lip service such as this article..
Will
Oct 26, 2014 at 5:28 pm
You guys are overreacting. This article is clearly written in a sarcastic tone.
Nick
Oct 26, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Men and Women are NOT the same. Another thing when things are said such as “men…” that is what is called a generalization and it’s implicit that their are exceptions. So generalizing, women whine more than men, women are physically not as strong as men. Sexism exists cause it’s real, everyone is not the same.
Tyler
Oct 26, 2014 at 7:59 pm
The generalization that woman whine more than men is complety false. Studies show men and woman whine the same amount its just when woman do it we call it whining and when men do whine we call it expressing our thoughts. As for men and woman hitting the ball not as far, I would love to see you in a long drive competition with Michelle Wie.
joey5picks
Oct 26, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Michelle Wei is not the typical woman, so using her to support your point is a fallacy. As a group, men ARE stronger than women and DO hit it further. Fact.
“Studies show” men and women whine the same amount? Studies also show people cite ficticious studies to try to prove a point.
marriedwithchildren
Oct 26, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Married men would disagree with you as to who whines more.
rer4136
Oct 27, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Do you find the term “Man up” offensive?
Jeremy
Oct 27, 2014 at 12:12 pm
He didn’t call Poulter a “lil girl” because he only hit his drive 230 yards. The comment had absolutely nothing to do with physical strength.
You’re a complainer. You have a lousy attitude. You’re a girl.
Get it?
Large chris
Oct 26, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Ridiculous to fire him for non existent sexism.
Correct to fire him for being inept and unable to use social media in a professional way. Anyone with a brain knows that in a corporate environment if you choose to use social media publicly you do so in a manner that is not personally critical of others, particularly of your own employees.
Always amazes me how many high powered supposedly clever masters of the universe don’t get that.
KT
Oct 26, 2014 at 2:42 pm
As a man, I am offended by the “come on man” phrase.
Harry G.
Oct 26, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Right on Ted! The notion that women will save golf from the contraction it is experiencing is missing the reality of the situation. Young boys and girls will not spend long hours practicing a game that takes years of dedication and experience to play proficiently, not to mention 5 hours to play! Ever wonder why the U. S. can’t win the Ryder Cup? Look whose running the show!
Jake Anderson
Oct 26, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Spot on, Mr. Garvich! What a wonderful article!
rickrock
Oct 26, 2014 at 11:47 am
The Anti-PC-Police are out in force today! I guess they must do their policing before church, lol.
This was a fireable offense, no doubt. No so much for what Bishop said, but for the fact that he took it to one of his own members on Twitter?!? Just… wow. Poor, poor leadership skills there, Ted.
Given that most of the differences between the sexes can be traced back to socialization, the need to change the words we use becomes more important if we want to see each other as equals.
Did the ‘lil girl’ comment cross the line? I’m not sure, but the PGA is clearly better off with Bishop gone.
paul
Oct 26, 2014 at 10:40 am
Where I live we don’t have nearly as much political correctness. I had to read about Teds comments twice to see why it was sexist… Little boys squeal as well as little girls, little girls just squeal more often and louder. Sounds like poulter to me ???? I had my sensitive wife read this so far, she doesn’t see my comment as sexist.
PCPolice
Oct 26, 2014 at 9:22 am
The PC police will come for everyone until the communist manifesto has been fully implemented.
Dave
Oct 26, 2014 at 8:00 am
What a bunch of baloney. Firing a guy over nonsense like this. I’d bet someone had it in for Bishop. Let’s get this guy.
The world has gone completely crazy. I weep for the young people.
dwntnbrown
Oct 26, 2014 at 2:49 pm
tis not a guy it a lil girl who got their feelings hurt. if it wasn’t for what they are sitting on there would be a bounty on their ears
rer4136
Oct 27, 2014 at 4:31 pm
We live in a country where some think same sex marriage is an important issue. Its the young people causing the problem.
darrell
Oct 25, 2014 at 11:08 pm
Most of this article is a complete fabrication. “likening Poulter to a girl or a woman in order to insult him” This a false statement Tim, he said “lil girl.”…lesser beings than men” Where did that reach come from? “insulting men by likening them to women” Again,, Tim he said “lil girl.” This article will play big in the liberal North East States, but those of us with an IQ over 14 are not going to fall for this false journalism. You are right in the fact that you do not have a little girl because if you did you would realize they squeal on the playground. This is something boys do not do. I am not condoning the statements made, however the reaction of the PGA board is way out of line. Using your leap in reporting…..you are denigrating all PGA members with this article, lumping all professionals in the woman hating crowd.
JR
Oct 26, 2014 at 3:32 pm
People who are liberal probably think what Bishop wasn’t sexist too. Nice try.
Tyler
Oct 25, 2014 at 10:39 pm
Haha well said Knobbywood, this world is becoming crazy. Its sad that instead of instilling confidence in kids, so when when someone calls them a silly name it doesn’t bother them because they are secure in who they are, we teach them to cry and be upset and tell the teacher. Anyways listening to morning drive this morning made me sick.
Steve Sales
Oct 25, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Dear Mr. Gavrich,
If you are so upset about how your future daughter might be uncomfortable about getting into golf because of the neocons involved how will you explain writing these scathing gender equality pieces for this website. If you will notice the “Leaderbord” section headers on the right side of this page you will find that only the male tours are listed. Talk about old bys club mentality! And you have the gall to take money from such an organization! What would your poor daughter say. How will she be able to face life with living with a demeaning jerk such as yourself.
Maybe the Enquirer has an opening? I feel you might be able to fully realize your full journalistic potential writing for those folks, you seem like a natural.
loubdoobe
Oct 27, 2014 at 9:09 am
I agree.
Rwj
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Sexism in golf from the male point of view. How is the LPGA’s continue use of coverage of the pretty girls helping sexism? They insist on tight skirts and blouses…that’s equality? I don’t understand how a group of guys playing together and razzing their buddies with “does your husband play” after a putt well short demean women? By your impression, make the ladies hit 600 yard par-5’s and all the par-3’s over 200 yards…equality all around or maybe, just maybe realize the sexes are different and stop being so critical of every single thing.
rer4136
Oct 27, 2014 at 4:34 pm
Great point. All courses played at the same length. One set of tees for everyone. No exceptions, play it back.
Dimarco
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:18 pm
I think the biggest issue is that the golf media is pumping up this story and pushing it as a highly sexist remark that women golfers NEED to be upset about. I talked this story over with my wife and she didn’t see it as sexist . She thought it was not a good remark for a PGA president to make but she thought using it as a beacon for change was a little bit of stretch. Neither of us felt that it has or will set back the women’s game.
What I find interesting is that we haven’t heard anything from the LPGA or any LPGA golfers on this yet.
Dave
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Look at a response Ian poulter had to a sports writer on twitter in this article. He uses a much more vulgar name but barely a peep from the media.
http://www.sbnation.com/golf/2014/3/9/5488298/ian-poulter-twitter-hideki-matsuyama-wgc-cadillac-championship-2014
RP Jacobs II
Oct 25, 2014 at 7:49 pm
This PC environment is ridiculous, LMAO. Its like an infectious communicable disease, lol. Was what he said foolish? Absolutely!! However where I am most dissapointed is that a president/CEO should have much more productive things to do with his time than to insert himself into a potentially controversial social media exchange.
What bothers me were not his words, however the thoughts, process and priorities of such a man. Now THAT bothers me greatly. My GF happens to be a LPGA Class A Master and she finds this all amusing especially the men who have come out of the wood work chirping about equality, sexism, bla, bla bla.
Her only question to the PC chirper was why have there no prominent women jumping on the PC band wagon?
They were there for Augusta.
No, Ted Bishop was a disappointment in so many areas, however this is typical of the PC movement in trying to make a minor issue into WW III, LOL.
Are females and Ladies where they should be in the game?
Absolutely not!!!
However it’s garbage like this that make the REAL issues that much tougher a hill to climb.
We don’t need a bunch of Type B passive PC male leading the charge, LMAO.
Have a nice week Gals & Gents 🙂
Fairways & Greens My Friends,
Richard
Roger
Oct 25, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Twitter will continue to assist in Workplace Dismissals!
D Snyder
Oct 25, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Would the powers that be have fired Bishop if he had said “lil boy” or “lil man”? What a bunch of PC bs…nothing “draconian” about it.
Ryan
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:30 pm
Agreed..
Jeremy
Oct 25, 2014 at 9:02 pm
They wouldn’t have fired him if he’d said a lot of other things. But… he didn’t.
Knobbywood
Oct 26, 2014 at 7:59 am
Wow way to totally strike out on that analogy… Lil boy correlates to Lil girl… Unlike “alot of other things” also the sky is blue and 2+2 is 4
Jeremy
Oct 27, 2014 at 12:06 pm
It was an admittedly lazy attempt to point out the flaw in D Snyder’s argument. If he’d said “idiot” like Poulter once famously did, it wouldn’t have been that bad (though still childish and unprofessional of a man in Bishop’s position). If he’d said “lil boy” he’d have probably gotten off the hook. But he said what he said and I wish the obnoxiousness of it were more obvious to a lot of people here.
Ritch
Oct 25, 2014 at 6:25 pm
This is a good piece and I agree with the PGA’s actions. I work part-time in the pro shop at a local club. We have a number of events that we promote as coed but have a very difficult time getting women to participate. Some of this is due to the subtle and, in some cases, overt attitude expressed by the men about playing with women. There is one lady here who put the men at ease during our weekly senior scramble. There was a silent tension the first couple of holes but then, following a semi-shank on the third, she cut loose with a couple of expletives, the ice was broken and the rest of the round proceeded as good fun. One footnote regarding the comment “hit it Alice”, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, I believe, Peter Allis stated that he was responsible for that comment. Apparently, he hadn’t been putting well in his Ryder Cup match and after leaving another putt short, someone in the gallery spouted “hit it Allis”.
Ted
Oct 25, 2014 at 6:16 pm
This is the sort of useless drivel that’s beginning to make this site irrelevant. Calling someone a little girl is hardly sexist and anyone claiming so is delusional or succumbing to the irrational power of political correctness. Newsflash, there are inherent differences between boys and girls. Little girls are weak and immature. That doesn’t mean they are of a lesser standing than little boys. Alas, that’s not the issue here. Ted bishop was wrong to call out Ian Poulter but folks such as the author of this piece are doing a greater disservice to women and girls. By clinging to false notions of sexism and discrimination you prevent girls, young ladies, and women from toughening themselves against the realities of the world. Not everyone is going to like you. Not everyone is going to be nice to you. But, but highlighting trivial occurrences such as this one, you degrade the sensitivities of the general public when true instances of sexism arise.
Knobbywood
Oct 25, 2014 at 5:49 pm
This whole thing makes me sick… A guy lost his job for calling someone a little girl!! The world has gone totally insane with political correctness!! People are so easily offended by the slightest thing it makes my head spin… If this honestly offends you I am so glad I don’t have to interact with you