OT - WOW..LPGA Says speak english by '09 or go?

[Neon1]

According to Golfweek Magazine, the tour has announced that "all players who have been on tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills." The policy takes effect immediately but the measurement period starts at the end of 2009; those who fail will be suspended from the Tour.
http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/art ... 66,00.html

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_10311710



Im at a loss for words that a something that high profile would be as stupid to think this is gonna fly..

[trebone]

dont mind it but it will never happen

[damo[23]]

Whats the need for it?

[magicfanatic23]

Lol what a joke

[MagicMadness]

ENGLISH OR GTFO

Is what they are saying...

[theTHIEF]

next they'll say that women aren't allowed to play...

but seriously...meh...

[mhectorgato]

Also from the article:

The LPGA wants to hold its members to a different standard, one that makes proficiency in English and the ability to entertain pro-am sponsors as important as proficiency with a 7-iron.

Hilary Lunke, president of the Player Executive Committee, said as much in the Golfweek story. "The bottom line is, we don't have a job if we don't entertain. In my mind, that's as big a part of the job as shooting under par."

The LPGA made the announcement last week in a mandatory meeting of South Korean players at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Ore. (Seven of the LPGA's Top 20 players are Korean and half are from East Asia; 45 of the LPGA's 121 international players are from South Korea.) According to the article, many Korean players approve of the policy (at least publicly), but that doesn't make it any less sinister.

From their viewpoint (not necessarily mine) is that it's all about business.

Doesn't seem to be very different than what Stern wants as well - focusing on the league's big money makers...

[ivDT]

doesn't FIBA have a similar requirement?

[yoyo65]

iam all for it its like voting ballots need to be in english only some places its french,spanish come on its the us

[craig01]

It's about the pro ams and the image on tv (a leaderboard on tv that may have the whole top ten with the last name kim or park).

I am surprised they have taken this stance. Seems like it could really stir up some stuff.

[christian72589]

How are you supposed to project a friendly, welcoming image to the masses when you cannot communicate with them? English is the primary language of the business world, and the LPGA, just like the NBA is a business that relies on corporate sponsors and local sponsors. (during pro-ams, meet and greets... etc.) This means that you must appeal to the people that are going to buy the products of the sponsors, or else you get no money and your business fails... it is a simple matter of business and isn't an example of any kind of american ignorance or anything ( as I'm sure this thread was about) because worldwide, it is expected and practiced to be able to speak english. Furthurmore, if you want to work for an AMERICAN company, you should speak the language of the Americans (english), just as i would expect to learn italian if i were working in Italy... etc.

[Last Guardian]

Damn corporations.

[NEM]

this shows how ignorant they are. i'm serbian and it didnt take me long to learn english when i got here (age 7), but my parents had a tough time learning and they dont speak fluently at all (i do, with no accent). it's hard for older people to learn a foreign language. it's very ignorant for them to do this IMO

[christian72589]

Unless I am mistaken,I believe that the demand is for them to speak SOME english... this could mean just a few phrases... no on said it had to be fluent, intimate conversation. It isn't ignorant... play on the tour of your home country if you don't like it... period.