The LPGA Tour has back-tracked on its initial decision to force non-native English speaking professionals to learn the language as soon as they can in order to prevent suspension.
The LPGA had previously instituted the rule to make the players, and hence its tour, more marketable to the fans and sponsors.
Many saw it as targeted at the large South Korean contingent of players who ply their trade quite successfully on the tour.
The LPGA denied it but has decided to drop its plans after facing criticism from many quarters.
It sent out a press release some time ago, though one has to really read the wording carefully before realising that what they are saying is: “We are dropping the compulsory English-language rulingâ€.
Non-native English speakers already on the Tour would have had to learn reasonable English within two years of the rule being implemented and new pros would have to know the language immediately.
In repealing the rule, the LPGA quoted commissioner Carolyn Bivens as saying:
“The LPGA has received valuable feedback from a variety of constituents regarding the recently announced penalties attached to our effective communications policy.
“We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions. After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every Tour player.â€
However, this doesn’t mean the Tour is abandoning the idea totally. They still want English to be the language of golf but they will probably try a different approach that doesn’t include penalties.
According to official figures, there are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, of which 45 are from South Korea.
