This week spotlight falls on troubled LPGA
Oh woe is the LPGA. In a week when Tiger Woods is changing diapers in Florida and his tour moves to one of its lowest profile events, the John Deere Classic, the women assume the spotlight in Bethlehem, Pa. for their signature event — the U.S. Women’s Open.
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But do they really want the attention this week?
This Women’s Open will be played under a dark cloud after news that a group of the circuit’s most influential players have called for the resignation of Commissioner Carolyn Bivens. After Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Morgan Pressel, and others met for dinner during last week’s Jamie Farr Classic, they sent a letter to the LPGA Board of Directors asking for the ouster of Bivens.
This is no surprise given that the LPGA is in freefall, losing seven events in the last two years, and has received only 10 sponsor commitments for 2010. Bivens’ stormy tenure has been marked by poor timing (the economy) and dubious decision-making (encouraging players to use Twitter while competing).
So how can the LPGA put on a happy face this week?
Tuesday at Saucon Valley, Kerr asked the media to limit questions to the tournament and her wine-making business, while defending champion Inbee Park of South Korea, who was schooled in the U.S., deflected a controversial question in the style of Sammy Sosa at the congressional steroid hearings.
“Um, I’ve heard that, but I think it’s really — I mean, this is USGA tournament, and I think it’s really out of the respect,” said Park. “Just — I wouldn’t say anything.”
Part of the problem on the Tour, according to some, can be traced to Park, 20, and the rest of her media-shy mates from South Korea. Five of the last six LPGA tournaments have been won by a different South Korean, none older than 21, and none with drawing power in the United States.
Bivens tried to address the South Korean issue last year by requiring players to achieve English proficiency. But that was quickly shouted down — another ill-conceived initiative that brought negative attention to a tour that may need major changes to survive.
“We, as players, want to be more involved in what is happening and we want to see the Tour going in a better direction,” said Ochoa. “There’s not much we can do. I believe [the LPGA board] will do the best for us, and things will start, you know, moving in a good direction.”
