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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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LPGA Backs Off English-Only Policy

Tour bows to sponsors, civil rights groups on controversial rule

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(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The LPGA Tour has rescinded a controversial policy announced last week in which top players failing to speak English adequately on the U.S. circuit could be suspended.
The LPGA Tour has rescinded a controversial policy announced last week in which top players failing to speak English adequately on the U.S. circuit could be suspended.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)
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