For English Press One

The LPGA's announcement requiring international players to pass an evaluation of their English speaking skills (set to begin in 2009) has opened an interesting discourse across the country and around the world. But in their desire to broaden their fan base, strengthen existing sponsorships and attempt to gain new ones, has the LPGA waded into the murky waters of discrimination against some of their players?

Ultimately, I believe the descision to have this evaluation or proficiency rule is a favorable idea for all parties involved. Although, I also believe that the LPGA went about informing everyone of this new rule in the wrong way.

What do the players have to lose? The threat of suspension is an option if players do not pass or adhere to the new English speaking rule. But I think that the positives outweigh the negatives. For those players who do fall under the English provision, learning a new language can not only broaden their fan base in the United States but it could very well open up new marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

I do not believe that this new rule will be an assault upon the cultural identity of new international players in the LPGA. If the LPGA mandated that new international players renounce their homeland or renounce their home language then there should be strong protesting and condemnation. However, this is not the case; learning a new language can only assist that particular player on and off the golf course, whether it's English or another language.

The LPGA is not off the hook in regards to their new announcement. The announcement of the new rule should've been relayed to ALL players regardless of their nationality; this was not the case. The LPGA may also have to contend with legality issues as well. The LPGA does have time on it's side in regards to this issue. The rule is not being put into place until the 2009 season, which will allow for LPGA administrators to properly and clearly define the rule and how it will be implemented. But due to a less then stellar public relations announcement, the LPGA is on the defensive.

Does speaking another language really matter when trying to hit a small dimpled ball 250 to 300 yards? Yes, if you're a professional golfer. Because not only are these women professional athletes, competing against one another and the difficult courses that they play on, but they also are ambassadors for their sport. Being an ambassador in the world of professional sports doesn't just end once the game is finished, but it continues when players meet their fans, address the media and interact with their sponsors. Therefore, to further strengthen and broaden the game of golf, this rule should be embraced.

Here's my twist in this story. If the LPGA is going to set forth an English speaking rule for international players, then international tournaments should do the same to English speaking golfers. There should be a sharing of cultures on both sides, international players and American or English speaking players. This should be what the LPGA is truly searching and reaching for; to broaden the marketability of their game, and the beauty of the game by the acceptance cross-cultural communication.


WHAT DO YOU THINK? Has the LPGA crossed the line in mandating an English speaking rule for it's international players? Is a suspension for a failed test or lack of adherence the proper action against players? Is the language argument really relevant?


Jonathan