7 Comments

1. 

   bobsuruncle

   Sep 5, 2008 at 1:05 pm

   I say “let the clubs do the talking”. That is the one true measure in this game.

   Do you think that Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt should have learnt conversational chinese and given their victory speaches in mandarin at the Beijing Olympics? After all, they had a good 4 years to prepare! Or should Lance Armstrong be fluent in French before he rode in the Tour de France? Or the africans in english before they run the NY or Boston marathon?

   The most successful soccer league in the world is the English Premier League (EPL). Look at the top 4 teams – they are all made up of foreign coaches and players. There’s hardly an englishman amongst them. Would the EPL be as successful without the best players in the world? Notice that it’s not the best “english-speaking” players in the world.

   The large money in sports is via television rights. Sponsors are attracted to the TV viewing stats. TV viewers don’t hear a single word being spoken by any of the players in 4-5 hours of telecast. Yes, it’s nice for sponsors to have some clients out for the pro-am but that’s not where the real money is.

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2. 

   TD

   Sep 2, 2008 at 1:21 pm

   OK folks….what does the LPGA stand for? Especially the A. What is the official language of the “A”. If these folks want to play on a tour in AMERICA, they should at least learn to communicate to some degree. AS for the comment about it not making any difference if they can communicate with their pro am partners……..with out pro ams and the public there would be no LPGA…it is very important.

   All that said, however, the message was delivered in a most unprofessional way and I don’t blame those that were and are offended. It is unfortunate that the message was obliterated by the delivery.

   Just another blunder by the new commish………..any bets how long she lasts like this?

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3. 

   8thehardway

   Sep 2, 2008 at 3:25 am

   Tempest in a teapot.

   If you’re any good you have handlers to make sure nothing interesting is revealed to the press so I wouldn’t expect you’ll ‘get to know” much about foreign players. And acceptance speeches are beyond vapid, so no loss there. It would be nice however, if all players could yell out a comprehensible “FORE LEFT” should the occassion arise. Come to think of it, why stop with English? Basic math skills could come in handy for telling a pro-am partner he carded an 8 and not the six he wrote down.

   They should also become familiar with our customs. It doesn’t seem fair that foreigners take our money and can’t speak out language. Would it kill them to learn the words to “God Bless America” and sing it on the first tee before being allowed to play?

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4. 

   Tim Schoch

   Aug 30, 2008 at 3:28 pm

   As I say in my article down at the bottom of the home page, I don’t understand why so many companies try to change people instead of their own system or vision or thinking.

   It is a challenge like this that could lead to real innovations in broadcasting and international assimilation in a sport. Instead of pressuring themselves to rise to the challenge, the LPGA is putting the pressure on the athletes who will be expected to putt for dough and speak English for show.

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5. 

   Don

   Aug 30, 2008 at 10:49 am

   Crazy Gaijins and their rules.

   How did some of the foreign players get into us universities without speaking english. Seems like the exploitation of others is fine as long as it suits them.

   As for marketing, white america are not the only golfers; why not sell the spots with foreign players to corporate sponsors with an interest in that player. or how aboout a category like “low gross by and english speaking player”. That would be something the media and all stats crazy people could grab onto.

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6. 

   Jebb

   Aug 29, 2008 at 9:43 am

   Mr Schuster,

   With respect you are quite wrong in your thinking about this. It isnt a good rule and can you name me one other sport in the world that requires proficiency in a foreign language?

   To be honest who cares what happens in the Pro Ams before the tournament. It just isnt important and anyone can say “good shot” or give a thumbs up.

   Plus your line about wanting to know more about these players is absurd. We recently had the British Open and the foreign players got along fine. They were a credit to their countries.

   Not only that but can you honestly tell me we know a lot about the likes of Annika or worse still Karrie Webb. They seem to play without emotion and the interviews could never be described as revealing.

   Its an overblown and overbearing idea from folks who think they are the centre of the universe.

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7. 

   bobsuruncle

   Aug 29, 2008 at 3:17 am

   I think this rule is absolute nonsense. Yes, I agree with the need to market the product (both the game and the players of the game) and that the medium of marketing is English. However, the LPGA should have “encouraged” the use of the English language and not make it a mandatory rule with the penalty of suspension. After all, an article claimed they are already providing assistance in the form of language lessons, etc.

   God-given (sports) talent is not simply the exclusive purview of the Americans or the English. The fastest man on earth is Jamaican, the best female pole vaulter is Russian, …and the list goes on. What if Tiger Woods happened to be born a Korean? Does the PGA dismiss his 14 Majors, suspend him and make us fans watch (with all due respect) Bob May play Fred Funk instead? Get real.

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