This isn’t just an LPGA or even golf in general issue…it’s about an organization making a pretty big “requirement” of it’s members.
Some say it reeks of prejudice, bigotry and racism.
Others say if you want to play in America (where most events are held), you should at least learn the language.
What say you?
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/columns/story?columnist=sirak_ron&id=3555947
From the article :
Doesn’t that seem like a contradiction in terms? I can see their point, but it doesn’t really emphasize the global nature if everyone is forced to speak one language.
The competitions are golfing competitions, not language exams. I think a simple translator would do fine if people can’t speak English, personally I also find it more interesting to listen to. If they want to learn the English for the marketing and media advantages that come with it then that’s great, but I don’t think it should be a requirement.
One point that was brought up - and I think it is fairly valid - is that a lot of the top players do a ton of media work…Pro-Ams, interviews, press conferences, etc.
Sure, a translator is great and all, but from a marketing standpoint it’d be better without seeing a translator every time. Not just from your Average Joe Viewer standpoint, but from a sponsor’s standpoint as well. The LPGA relies heavily on sponsor’s to run their tournaments, and I think they were under heavy pressure from the sponsors to improve their image. OK “improve” might not be the appropriate word…not sure what is, though.
I understand the marketing viewpoint. I just don’t really agree with banning people from entering a golf competition because they can’t speak English. If they want to emphasise the global nature of the sport can’t the sponsors use the foreign speaking golfers to promote their products in their home country?
How desperate is the situation, are the LPGA struggling to make ends meet or is it the sponsors that just want more and more money?
No, because the LPGA is primarily based in the US and that’s where a large share of their revenue comes from.
I don’t know if it’s “desperate,” but it’s not good. But money is certainly a driving factor, I just don’t know to what degree.
This is, technically, a “global” sport with many countries represented. Increasingly, the LPGA is being dominated by foreign-born players. South Korea in particular. But the LPGA is not truly global in that it doesn’t have a lot of world-wide events. Since the majority are based in the US, that is why this rule is being enforced.
If I were a professional being paid buku bucks to play the game I love in a foreign country, I would make an effort to learn the language. I’m not saying they have to master it, but to have an intelligent conversation would be ideal, I think.
I get you. Of course it would be advantageous to everyone included and I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it’s racists etc. I just think that it is pretty strict to suddenly suspend players. Maybe if it was phased in and English language courses were somehow subsidised by sponsors for example, then it would be more understandable.
Are there any sports that already have language restrictions? I can’t think of any off the top of my head.
I have to know english to do my job, so sure, they should have to learn it to do theirs.
And that’s a great point.
Their “job” is to go out and play golf and be competitive, but part of their job is to also represent themselves well in press conferences, to sponsors, for Pro-Ams, in interviews…they can’t do that effectively through a translator.
Me thinks the LPGA just wanted a headline so people remembered it was still around.
every American citizen should be forced physically to speak the native tonge
non citizen’s who have lived here for more than 5+ years should be forced physically and mentally to speak the native tongue
Wait a minute…they let ladies play golf now? What next a womens basketball league?
I think this is complete bullshit. Carolyn Bivens (President of the LPGA) has made bad decision after bad decision. This is in large part due to the Koreans totally dominating the LPGA lately. It doesn’t make sense on an ethical or moral level. I hear you on the press conferences, but no one complains about Ichiro’s ability to give press conferences. Yeah that’s a team sport and it’s a bit different, but I think you see where I’m coming from on that one. The LPGA is the most lucrative, competitive field for women’s golf and if foreigners are good enough to play and excel on the tour they should be allowed to play whether or not they speak English.