News
LPGA Speak Sparks Language Debate
For someone who came from a marketing background, LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens certainly knows how to muck up a message. Her latest gaffe is a real beauty. LPGA members are, effective immediately if not sooner, required to be proficient in English. I don’t know if she means the King’s English? New England English? Southern English? or maybe just street english which is comprehensible to those under the age of 20
For someone who came from a marketing background, LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens certainly knows how to muck up a message. Her latest gaffe is a real beauty. LPGA members are, effective immediately if not sooner, required to be proficient in English. I don’t know if she means the King’s English? New England English? Southern English? or maybe just street english which is comprehensible to those under the age of 20. No one knows, since no written explanation of the policy has been made available. I’ m certain at least one of the LPGA muckity mucks has the ability to put fingers on a keyboard and produce a written copy of the policy and the consequences of non compliance for the public record. Although maybe not, since news reports indicate that no such document was available to the Korean players after their mandatory meeting August 20th informing them of the policy.
It does the LPGA a great disservice when the public is made aware of this policy through an article such as that which appears on ESPN.com. ( a site which more and more resembles the National Enquirer in its sensationalistic writing). There is nothing on LPGA.com at this time about this new policy. Some of the quotes make me believe that actual thought was put into the policy development yet none was devoted to the release. It makes an idea which makes sense as a business decision into a racist, elitist affront to foreign players. Why would this not have been crafted by a professional advertiser or PR agency. Heck go cheap and get a politician, they know how to make most people feel good about getting mugged by the government, this would have been easy to present with soft edges and a sweet taste. No not the Commish, she’s gotta throw it out like a giant rock through a plate glass window, much screaming and a whole lot of blood.
I could rant all day about the failings of the glorious Commish, but the policy is the thing.. First, this is a good idea. Skewer me if you must, but it will go quite far in furthering the LPGA as a professional tour and a business. I’ve wanted to know more about the ladies who play golf so well but am limited by lack of information. I have to believe that most of them have actual personalities which remain hidden from public view behind the barrier of language. I know I become quite uncomfortable when I’m in a situation where I can’t really communicate with anyone so I appear shy, reserved, and quiet. Those are not the first three adjectives folks who know me would reach for when asked to describe me to others. I have to believe the same applies to foreign players in this country. These ladies must have some interesting stories to tell and inspiration to share but because of the language barrier what do we get but silence or single word answers.
If I were paying money to play an LPGA pro am event, I’d want to be able to communicate with my pro, without a translator. (Translators serve a purpose, however I never really trust them entirely, the result of listening to a 45 second conversation I can’t understand which translates into 5 words of english. Something gets lost there, the nuance perhaps) Simple language skills will relieve a lot of the uncomfortable silences that have to take place during a round. Silences which can translate into aloofness will be passed on to friends and aquaintances as a bad experience. Surely would sour me on a product if one of it’s promoters impressed in that way.
Players will not be left high and dry to learn on their own. The LPGA has said, hidden somewhere in the muddied waters of this giant fiasco, it will provide tutors and learning aides as assistance. It’s not in anyone’s interest to send players packing because they can play but not talk. Playing skills are more important than language skills yes, but the language skills are not something anyone can do without in a market where sponsor’s are getting harder to find. It makes sense to improve the tour’s marketability, language skills are a means to that end. I can’t see the tour allowing vast numbers of foreign players to be suspended over their inability to speak english, that would be publicity as bad as this amateurish release of policy.
We’ll have to see after the firestorm how this will affect both the tour and the players. I hope it means we get to meet some great golfers as people. For those of you who think it should be all about the golf, I’m sorry but that vanished when the game became international. It’s all about the benjamins. Especially now, when entertainment dollars are at a premium. A product, and professional golf is a product, needs international ambassadors who can communicate in the language of money. That would be the english language, and every player on the tour needs to be an ambassador for the game. This language policy is one way to expand the product line.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
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bobsuruncle
Sep 5, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I say “let the clubs do the talking”. That is the one true measure in this game.
Do you think that Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt should have learnt conversational chinese and given their victory speaches in mandarin at the Beijing Olympics? After all, they had a good 4 years to prepare! Or should Lance Armstrong be fluent in French before he rode in the Tour de France? Or the africans in english before they run the NY or Boston marathon?
The most successful soccer league in the world is the English Premier League (EPL). Look at the top 4 teams – they are all made up of foreign coaches and players. There’s hardly an englishman amongst them. Would the EPL be as successful without the best players in the world? Notice that it’s not the best “english-speaking” players in the world.
The large money in sports is via television rights. Sponsors are attracted to the TV viewing stats. TV viewers don’t hear a single word being spoken by any of the players in 4-5 hours of telecast. Yes, it’s nice for sponsors to have some clients out for the pro-am but that’s not where the real money is.
TD
Sep 2, 2008 at 1:21 pm
OK folks….what does the LPGA stand for? Especially the A. What is the official language of the “A”. If these folks want to play on a tour in AMERICA, they should at least learn to communicate to some degree. AS for the comment about it not making any difference if they can communicate with their pro am partners……..with out pro ams and the public there would be no LPGA…it is very important.
All that said, however, the message was delivered in a most unprofessional way and I don’t blame those that were and are offended. It is unfortunate that the message was obliterated by the delivery.
Just another blunder by the new commish………..any bets how long she lasts like this?
8thehardway
Sep 2, 2008 at 3:25 am
Tempest in a teapot.
If you’re any good you have handlers to make sure nothing interesting is revealed to the press so I wouldn’t expect you’ll ‘get to know” much about foreign players. And acceptance speeches are beyond vapid, so no loss there. It would be nice however, if all players could yell out a comprehensible “FORE LEFT” should the occassion arise. Come to think of it, why stop with English? Basic math skills could come in handy for telling a pro-am partner he carded an 8 and not the six he wrote down.
They should also become familiar with our customs. It doesn’t seem fair that foreigners take our money and can’t speak out language. Would it kill them to learn the words to “God Bless America” and sing it on the first tee before being allowed to play?
Tim Schoch
Aug 30, 2008 at 3:28 pm
As I say in my article down at the bottom of the home page, I don’t understand why so many companies try to change people instead of their own system or vision or thinking.
It is a challenge like this that could lead to real innovations in broadcasting and international assimilation in a sport. Instead of pressuring themselves to rise to the challenge, the LPGA is putting the pressure on the athletes who will be expected to putt for dough and speak English for show.
Don
Aug 30, 2008 at 10:49 am
Crazy Gaijins and their rules.
How did some of the foreign players get into us universities without speaking english. Seems like the exploitation of others is fine as long as it suits them.
As for marketing, white america are not the only golfers; why not sell the spots with foreign players to corporate sponsors with an interest in that player. or how aboout a category like “low gross by and english speaking player”. That would be something the media and all stats crazy people could grab onto.
Jebb
Aug 29, 2008 at 9:43 am
Mr Schuster,
With respect you are quite wrong in your thinking about this. It isnt a good rule and can you name me one other sport in the world that requires proficiency in a foreign language?
To be honest who cares what happens in the Pro Ams before the tournament. It just isnt important and anyone can say “good shot” or give a thumbs up.
Plus your line about wanting to know more about these players is absurd. We recently had the British Open and the foreign players got along fine. They were a credit to their countries.
Not only that but can you honestly tell me we know a lot about the likes of Annika or worse still Karrie Webb. They seem to play without emotion and the interviews could never be described as revealing.
Its an overblown and overbearing idea from folks who think they are the centre of the universe.
bobsuruncle
Aug 29, 2008 at 3:17 am
I think this rule is absolute nonsense. Yes, I agree with the need to market the product (both the game and the players of the game) and that the medium of marketing is English. However, the LPGA should have “encouraged” the use of the English language and not make it a mandatory rule with the penalty of suspension. After all, an article claimed they are already providing assistance in the form of language lessons, etc.
God-given (sports) talent is not simply the exclusive purview of the Americans or the English. The fastest man on earth is Jamaican, the best female pole vaulter is Russian, …and the list goes on. What if Tiger Woods happened to be born a Korean? Does the PGA dismiss his 14 Majors, suspend him and make us fans watch (with all due respect) Bob May play Fred Funk instead? Get real.