The LPGA has backed down on their 'English Only' policy of potentially suspending players who didn't display a proficient ability to speak english. You can see the full article here.
Apparently State Sen. Leland Yee, a Democrat from San Francisco, decided that a 'raw-suit' would be fully in order and was planning on demanding that such a policy would be banned in California.
I have played in 4 LPGA tour events and at least that many qualifying schools and filled out entry forms for every one. The only stipulation on any of those entry forms is that you are 'female at birth'. Seriously. It says that. Nowhere in the form does it say you must speak english or does it even ask if you are capable. Had the LPGA gotten away with this, where would they have drawn the line? Height requirements? Weight requirements? Hair colour? It could have been endless.
For a prominent organization like the LPGA to, not only think of something like this, but actually think they were going to carry it out is stunning. Who are the people who are in on these meetings thinking that this is okay? Certainly Carolyn Bivens is the Commisioner but she isn't on an island. Surely she has people around her who advise her, right?
Here is how this particular meeting must have gone:
Carolyn: Okay, how are we going to get more sponsorship and raise the profile of the LPGA tour?
Kip: AMERICAN'S ONLY! No more foreign players PERIOD! Send all those slitty-eyed gals back across the pond where they came from.
Carolyn: Jim, we can't do...
Kip: I am tired of watching those slanty eyed girls with black hair beat us in our own game.
Carolyn: Kip, golf isn't actually our game, it came from Scotland.
Kip: I don't care where it came from. It is ours now because we have the best tour with the most money and so it is ours!
Carolyn: Any other suggestions?
(muffled rustling in chairs as people sit dumbfounded with Kip's suggestion)
Kate: Well, we could instill a grass roots program in the US that would help young players in our country excel beyond just the amateur years. We could raise money to help these girls get whatever they need as they embark upon a career in professional golf. That way they are fully equipped at an earlier age and better prepared when they reach the tour and can challenge for a top spot.
Carolyn: Nah, I am the Commisioner now and what you are describing could take years! I want credit for growing the LPGA now! Dumb idea Kate, you really need to just keep quiet in these meetings.
Diane: How about we take away the cards from all those aging players who only play 3 events a year and distribute more cards qualifying school.
Carolyn: Give more cards out a q-school? Don't you know that q-school is the biggest money grub that we have? We need more people going to q-school every year, not less. Plus, some of those old gals can really tell some filthy jokes can really pound back the wine. I know those old gals can't even come close to competing anymore, but their pro-am teams love them! No, not going to happen. I can't believe I am paying you people for this tripe.
Kip: How about anytime a Korean girl wins, she has to give her speech in American and if she can't, she doesn't get the trophy.
Carolyn: Hm...well, we can't do that, but we can insist that in the future if they don't speak english we will suspend them. That will make more room for more American girls and their ribbons.
Kip: Yeeeehaaa!! That is a great idea! It will be impossible for all them chinks to learn english so we could have another 45 spots for our girls.
Carolyn: Okay. That is what we will do then. Force them to speak American and if they don't, they are out. All in favor?
random voices--ummm, well....uh....are you sure....
Carolyn: Done! This will be our new policy and if they don't like it they can kiss my ass. Great job Kip. Way to be forward thinking! You two, see me in my office immediately.
I bet you that I am not far off.
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