Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

LPGA Backs Off English-Only Policy

Tour bows to sponsors, civil rights groups on controversial rule

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2008 2:43 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – A firestorm of criticism has forced the LPGA to overturn its plans to penalize tour players who failed to pass an oral English evaluation after 2 years, GolfWeek reports. “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,” said the LPGA commissioner.

Many saw the policy as particularly discriminatory against Asian golfers, who won three majors this year. The reversal came just 2 hours before an Asian-American legal group, civil rights activists, and elected officials planned to publicly condemn the proposal. “I’m pleased they have come to their senses,” said a California assemblyman. More than 100 international golfers from 26 countries currently play on the LPGA tour.

The LPGA includes 121 international players from 26 countries, including 45 from South Korea alone. Asians have won 3 majors this year alone.
The LPGA includes 121 international players from 26 countries, including 45 from South Korea alone. Asians have won 3 majors this year alone.   (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The LPGA Tour has rescinded a controversial policy announced last week in which top players failing to speak English adequately on the U.S. circuit could be suspended.
The LPGA Tour has rescinded a controversial policy announced last week in which top players failing to speak English adequately on the U.S. circuit could be suspended.   (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said the tour would not penalize players who failed to meet certain English fluency standards.
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said the tour would not penalize players who failed to meet certain English fluency standards.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
This 2006 file photo shows LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens, who announced today the tour will not institute a controversial plan to suspend players who cannot efficiently speak English.
This 2006 file photo shows LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens, who announced today the tour will not institute a controversial plan to suspend players who cannot efficiently speak English.   (AP Photo/Don Heupel, File)
Hee Young Park of South Korea plays the ball during the first round of the Evian Masters golf tournament. Critics felt the LPGA policy unfairly targeted Asian players.
Hee Young Park of South Korea plays the ball during the first round of the Evian Masters golf tournament. Critics felt the LPGA policy unfairly targeted Asian players.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

LPGA promises new proposal by year's end
Bloomberg

More from the commissioner's statement
Naples Daily News

More on the spreading opposition to the rule
Associated Press

 
golf • LPGA • English • Asians

More Newser Stories

14-Year-Old Youngest Ever Pro Golf Winner

749 Days Later, a Win for Tiger

Pro Golfer: Who Needs a Coach? I Have YouTube

Tiger Woods' Ex-Caddy Hits Golfer With Racial Slur

Man Threw Hot Dog at Tiger to 'Do Something Epic'
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne