[Tinamillergolf]

Love me or hate me...hopefully you all love me but I would really appreciate your help in this matter. I have received some criticism on this site before because people thought I was flat-chested and beaver toothed on the Big Break Ka'anapli, haha, but I have also had many people on here who have supported me. So plesae take the time to read all of this...

Here is the article that ran on Time.com..go ahead, check it out...
Lady Golfers for Rent: Escort Service for Duffers?

What do you all think? I believe Nisha's comment in regards to Lorena Ochoa was out of line, but apparently it was also out of context. She compared her to Natalie Gulbis and how most men would rather watch Natalie than Lorena, even if Nat was not in the lead and Lorena was, and truth of the matter is most would. I would love to have Lorena's game and she is a nice woman from the couple times I have spoke with her.

Here is my official statement in the matter and I am sure this is going to stir the pot on this website quite a bit...because this is not a topic that has NOT been talked about for decades, now is it?

"I am very proud to be a professional golfer and to represent my sport to its fullest capabilities. I have even received the Women in Sports Society Female Athlete of the Year Award (The Babe Didrickson Zaharias Award) back in 2005, which exemplifies top women athletes that excel tremendously in their sport and represent their sport in a positive manner.

I would never want to represent myself in a negative light, as the article in TIME.com online magazine has done for the professionals that complete the roster of PGD pros. Nor would I ever be a part in an escort service. Period. I truly feel that Play Golf Designs believes in each and every one of its golfers and marketing their golfers with whatever personality and looks each player brings to the table. Many of the girls on the roster are amazing pro golfers and also models on the side, so what better way to market women's golf than with good looking female golfers that are proud of their bodies!?

Playing in a PGD corporate outing, which I have played in a few, is very professional and no we do not wear heels to the course, but we do pride ourselves in having a good golf fashion sense and we do abide by the dress code rules of each country club we play, which is something the LPGA does not have enforced.

I was very disheartened after reading this article because PGD is not an escort service in any way, shape or form. My husband is in the NFL and I would not be a part of a company that would portray us in a negative light because he would not want me to be a part in something like an "escort" service. Let's face it, part of the reason I received 2 sponsors invites into LPGA events was because of my golf game and my personality, the way I can interact with people in the pro-ams and the way I interacted with the crowds. Pro-Ams happen all the time and professional athletes, including my husband, receive appearance fees to attend and compete in events. This is nothing new, and you made us look cheap and classless as a respected business. You should've tried to understand what a pro-am is, or perhaps something even more basic like an "appearance fee".

I guess it takes bad press to create buzz about women's golf in times like this where the LPGA is put on the backburner to the PGA and even the ATP tour. When Natalie Gulbis came out with her swimsuit calendar and had a page where she was in a bikini on the course in heels, I guess she probably received the bad press we are now receiving, because lets face it: we know Natalie would not wear heels on the course and neither would we. After the buzz of her calendar settled down in 2004, look at what a great role model she has become for women's golf and the LPGA. I hope the same slandering effect you gave this growing business happens, so that we can move on with growing the game, instead of battling your article. You truly have no class for perceiving us the way you did and you owe us an apology.

I only wish the best for the LPGA and its future and for the golfers that compete each week out on the tour that are trying to make it marketable. Unfortunately it just does not have the glamour it had when I was growing up and a huge part of that is marketing and the fact that you rarely can find the LPGA on TV anymore, which is truly a shame.

It is also a shame that further research on the company was not done, such as actually traveling out to a corporate outing with PGD and actually seeing how things are run. We travel all around the country to companies, including "all women" companies, to teach them a bit about the game and for me that is what I can give back to the game that has given me so much. I stand behind PLAY GOLF DESIGNS and Nisha Sadekar because I know that it is truly a unique concept and a concept that has been marketed very well. Play Golf Designs has advanced the interest in Womens Golf and because of your feature you have set us back and caused more problems within an already struggling industry. Sean, we cannot make advancements in womens golf with people like you speaking poorly of young up and coming stars. You have hurt our character, our business and our team with your shallow and tasteless piece. The question for you now, Sean, is what are you going to do to fix this? "

Tina (Miller) Lloyd
Futures Tour member 2006-2007
2 LPGA Sponsors Invites (2005 LPGA Wendys Championship for Children + 2007 Corning Classic)
2 US Women's Opens 2004, 2005
Big Break Ka'anapali Contestant

If you check out, here have been some followup articles regarding this mess, the Golf Babes one is especially good:

Golf Babes Article
PGD Release


So you all know a little bit more about me, to supplement my income in the off-seasons, I will admit I modeled. I not only modeled golf clothing but regular clothing and and swimwear as well. It was a good way to make some extra money. NEVER would I wear most of those bits of clothing out on the course and I truly do abide by the golf courses in which I play and their dress codes respectively. I have done a lot of photoshoots and I can look back on those pictures 20 years from now and say, "I had a nice body back then!!!"

I am now married and realized, unlike some girls out on the developmental tours who have been there for almost a decade struggling, that I did NOT have what it took to compete on the tour weekly and to survive. Do I doubt I could have made it as a full-time player on the LPGA, no I dont doubt it but could I have made a decent living and made cuts? Probably not. So I have hung up the sticks but people still request for me to play in Pro-Ams with them, so that is what I do now.

I actually have recently been hired out by Peter Jacobson Sports to play in the CVS event June 21, at Rhode Island CC. Does that mean I am an escort for Peter's company? haha.

I know I am bouncing all around here, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks again for your time and if you believe in all that I have said and all that women's golf and Play Golf Designs stands by, please pass this along.

[Tim Delgado]

I read the article, and also considered your comments.

At the end of the day however, I must side with Ms. Lopiano.

I have an eleven year old daughter. And luckily for her, she is very attractive like her mother. But this is NOT the way I would want her to "market" herself. I personally find it demeaning and think it is a bit embarassing.

I am not some old-fashioned and crabby old dude, just someone that would rather that my daughter and other young women emulate women of accomplishment, not women of sexy outfits.

Trust me, noone likes a sexy outfit on a good-looking woman more than I I just think that society would be better off, and healthier, if while admiring attractive features on good-looking people, we focused more on accomplishments than sex appeal.

Just my opinion and I know that many will disagree. I would NOT want my daughter in a photo like this one. I personally think this is actually sort of embarassing.

Tim

Attached image(s)

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[Tinamillergolf]

Tim Delgado, on May 23 2009, 05:19 PM, said:

I read the article, and also considered your comments.

At the end of the day however, I must side with Ms. Lopiano.

I have an eleven year old daughter. And luckily for her, she is very attractive like her mother. But this is NOT the way I would want her to "market" herself. I personally find it demeaning and think it is a bit embarassing.

I am not some old-fashioned and crabby old dude, just someone that would rather that my daughter and other young women emulate women of accomplishment, not women of sexy outfits.

Trust me, noone likes a sexy outfit on a good-looking woman more than I I just think that society would be better off, and healthier, if while admiring attractive features on good-looking people, we focused more on accomplishments than sex appeal.

Just my opinion and I know that many will disagree. I would NOT want my daughter in a photo like this one. I personally think this is actually sort of embarassing.

Tim

Tim, Thanks for your honest opinion. I appreciate it, as does I am sure, Nisha (CEO of PGD). Just a quick question, does your daughter look up to Natalie Gulbis?

[MtlJeff]

The market dictates what will or won't sell. If PGD is successful it's because people (men, women, corporations etc...) are willing to pay for it. And nobody is breaking any laws, it's obviously not really an escort service, i really don't see what the big deal is. Who are we kidding to pretend looks don't affect our lives in any workplace environment? This doesn't just apply to women...All the girls i see wearing Tom Brady jerseys, i doubt they could say which hand he throws with. But yeah, i'm sure they like him because of his football skills. If he or a David Beckam etc were to do the exact same thing (play in a fun pickup football/soccer game with a bunch of women) no one would say a word. Why shouldn't people be allowed to trade on the assets that they have? That's more empowering than degrading.

I understand the comments Tim made above regarding the picture, but as Tina got into a bit, the women are actually very good golfers too, even if that's only arguably part of what's being sold. I believe what's appropriate is in the eye of the beholder and if people have a problem with it they, or their corporations can choose not to book a tee time with them.

in a perfect world, we'd all be judged by our personalities and skill yada yada yada...won't ever happen. And PGD isn't hurting anyone

[Tinamillergolf]

MtlJeff, on May 23 2009, 05:31 PM, said:

The market dictates what will or won't sell. If PGD is successful it's because people (men, women, corporations etc...) are willing to pay for it. And nobody is breaking any laws, it's obviously not really an escort service, i really don't see what the big deal is. Who are we kidding to pretend looks don't affect our lives in any workplace environment? This doesn't just apply to women...All the girls i see wearing Tom Brady jerseys, i doubt they could say which hand he throws with. But yeah, i'm sure they like him because of his football skills. If he or a David Beckam etc were to do the exact same thing (play in a fun pickup football/soccer game with a bunch of women) no one would say a word. Why shouldn't people be allowed to trade on the assets that they have? That's more empowering than degrading.

I understand the comments Tim made above regarding the picture, but as Tina got into a bit, the women are actually very good golfers too, even if that's only arguably part of what's being sold. I believe what's appropriate is in the eye of the beholder and if people have a problem with it they, or their corporations can choose not to book a tee time with them.

in a perfect world, we'd all be judged by our personalities and skill yada yada yada...won't ever happen. And PGD isn't hurting anyone

Thank you so much! I completely agree. Thanks for your comments, keep them coming people!

[Tim Delgado]

Unfortunately, my daughter has not yet caught the golf bug.

But if and when she does, I would hope she would look to players like Lorena and Annika for role models.

As a man that appreciates an attractive woman, I think that Gulbis is pretty nice to look at. But let's not kid ourselves, Gulbis and the other women posing for photos like this are selling sex, not their golf skills.

There is nothing wrong with this, it is a free country and I have NO problem at all with people doing what they want. Women and men are free to pose is sexy outfits, pose nude, participate in Lingerie Bowl events during the superbowl, and do WHATEVER they feel like doing for income. But the women of intellect and achievement that I know would simply never even consider modeling for this type of photo for money. And to be honest, I would just prefer that my wife or daughter, and frankly all young women, go a different direction in an effort to promote themselves.

Tim

[Tinamillergolf]

Tim Delgado, on May 23 2009, 05:47 PM, said:

Unfortunately, my daughter has not yet caught the golf bug.

But if and when she does, I would hope she would look to players like Lorena and Annika for role models.

As a man that appreciates an attractive woman, I think that Gulbis is pretty nice to look at. But let's not kid ourselves, Gulbis and the other women posing for photos like this are selling sex, not their golf skills.

There is nothing wrong with this, it is a free country and I have NO problem at all with people doing what they want. Women and men are free to pose is sexy outfits, pose nude, participate in Lingerie Bowl events during the superbowl, and do WHATEVER they feel like doing for income. But the women of intellect and achievement that I know would simply never even consider modeling for this type of photo for money. And to be honest, I would just prefer that my wife or daughter, and frankly all young women, go a different direction in an effort to promote themselves.

Tim

I hope your daughter will catch the golf bug!!! I looked up to Annika for MANY years growing up and still believe that she was an absolutely unbelievable talent and a GREAT role model.

Unfortunately in this day and age you do not see people who are unattractive in magazine ads, you see good looking women and men. I guess the whole slam on us in the article was calling us escorts, saying that these top athletes sell themselves and even have a subliminal message that we are whores, is just WRONG.

If we were to come out and say that so-and-so was an escort, we would probably be sued. You just cannot say those things as well as saying we wear what Spring Break Barmaids wear...its just WRONG.


I do want to disagree and quote you as saying that the women you know of "intellect and achievement" would never do this. I was inducted into my college's (not high school, middle or grade school) but COLLEGE'S highest honor society, Iron Arrow (at the University of Miami) and maintained a 3.8 GPA and eventually graduated with honors and could have easily double majored...did a large amount of community service and as far as achievement, how about not only maintaining that GPA but also winning 7 times in college, being ranked top 20 in the nation amongst D1 schools, worked a part time job, attended all classes and graduated in 4 years so what category does this put me in? Granted my degree was partly in marketing (was a marine science and biology double major thru my sophmore yr before switching)...hmmmmm.....my main focus has and always was golf. The truth of the matter is good golf gets you noticed, but good golf and being good looking is every companies dream, including the LPGA's! Just my opinion...

[Tim Delgado]

Tinamillergolf, on May 23 2009, 06:03 PM, said:

Tim Delgado, on May 23 2009, 05:47 PM, said:

Unfortunately, my daughter has not yet caught the golf bug.

But if and when she does, I would hope she would look to players like Lorena and Annika for role models.

As a man that appreciates an attractive woman, I think that Gulbis is pretty nice to look at. But let's not kid ourselves, Gulbis and the other women posing for photos like this are selling sex, not their golf skills.

There is nothing wrong with this, it is a free country and I have NO problem at all with people doing what they want. Women and men are free to pose is sexy outfits, pose nude, participate in Lingerie Bowl events during the superbowl, and do WHATEVER they feel like doing for income. But the women of intellect and achievement that I know would simply never even consider modeling for this type of photo for money. And to be honest, I would just prefer that my wife or daughter, and frankly all young women, go a different direction in an effort to promote themselves.

Tim

I hope your daughter will catch the golf bug!!! I looked up to Annika for MANY years growing up and still believe that she was an absolutely unbelievable talent and a GREAT role model.

Unfortunately in this day and age you do not see people who are unattractive in magazine ads, you see good looking women and men. I guess the whole slam on us in the article was calling us escorts, saying that these top athletes sell themselves and even have a subliminal message that we are whores, is just WRONG.

If we were to come out and say that so-and-so was an escort, we would probably be sued. You just cannot say those things as well as saying we wear what Spring Break Barmaids wear...its just WRONG.


I do want to disagree and quote you as saying that the women you know of "intellect and achievement" would never do this. I was inducted into my college's (not high school, middle or grade school) but COLLEGE'S highest honor society, Iron Arrow (at the University of Miami) and maintained a 3.8 GPA and eventually graduated with honors and could have easily double majored...did a large amount of community service and as far as achievement, how about not only maintaining that GPA but also winning 7 times in college, being ranked top 20 in the nation amongst D1 schools, worked a part time job, attended all classes and graduated in 4 years so what category does this put me in? Granted my degree was partly in marketing (was a marine science and biology double major thru my sophmore yr before switching)...hmmmmm.....my main focus has and always was golf. The truth of the matter is good golf gets you noticed, but good golf and being good looking is every companies dream, including the LPGA's! Just my opinion...

Good point. You have accomplished alot in a short time.

I also agree that the comparison to "escorts" is out of line and inappropriate. The writer should retract that line and apogize for the inference.

You are also correct in pointing out that good-looking (and especially sexy-looking) women and men get more of the attention in the media, and therefore receive more endorsments opportunities no doubt.

My point is that we can always hope that our young girls can aspire to higher standards than those set by the media!

Using the standards of today's television and print media is setting the bar awfully low.

Tim

[Tinamillergolf]

Tim Delgado, on May 23 2009, 06:14 PM, said:

Tinamillergolf, on May 23 2009, 06:03 PM, said:

Tim Delgado, on May 23 2009, 05:47 PM, said:

Unfortunately, my daughter has not yet caught the golf bug.

But if and when she does, I would hope she would look to players like Lorena and Annika for role models.

As a man that appreciates an attractive woman, I think that Gulbis is pretty nice to look at. But let's not kid ourselves, Gulbis and the other women posing for photos like this are selling sex, not their golf skills.

There is nothing wrong with this, it is a free country and I have NO problem at all with people doing what they want. Women and men are free to pose is sexy outfits, pose nude, participate in Lingerie Bowl events during the superbowl, and do WHATEVER they feel like doing for income. But the women of intellect and achievement that I know would simply never even consider modeling for this type of photo for money. And to be honest, I would just prefer that my wife or daughter, and frankly all young women, go a different direction in an effort to promote themselves.

Tim

I hope your daughter will catch the golf bug!!! I looked up to Annika for MANY years growing up and still believe that she was an absolutely unbelievable talent and a GREAT role model.

Unfortunately in this day and age you do not see people who are unattractive in magazine ads, you see good looking women and men. I guess the whole slam on us in the article was calling us escorts, saying that these top athletes sell themselves and even have a subliminal message that we are whores, is just WRONG.

If we were to come out and say that so-and-so was an escort, we would probably be sued. You just cannot say those things as well as saying we wear what Spring Break Barmaids wear...its just WRONG.


I do want to disagree and quote you as saying that the women you know of "intellect and achievement" would never do this. I was inducted into my college's (not high school, middle or grade school) but COLLEGE'S highest honor society, Iron Arrow (at the University of Miami) and maintained a 3.8 GPA and eventually graduated with honors and could have easily double majored...did a large amount of community service and as far as achievement, how about not only maintaining that GPA but also winning 7 times in college, being ranked top 20 in the nation amongst D1 schools, worked a part time job, attended all classes and graduated in 4 years so what category does this put me in? Granted my degree was partly in marketing (was a marine science and biology double major thru my sophmore yr before switching)...hmmmmm.....my main focus has and always was golf. The truth of the matter is good golf gets you noticed, but good golf and being good looking is every companies dream, including the LPGA's! Just my opinion...

Good point. You have accomplished alot in a short time.

I also agree that the comparison to "escorts" is out of line and inappropriate. The writer should retract that line and apogize for the inference.

You are also correct in pointing out that good-looking (and especially sexy-looking) women and men get more of the attention in the media, and therefore receive more endorsments opportunities no doubt.

My point is that we can always hope that our young girls can aspire to higher standards than those set by the media!

Using the standards of today's television and print media is setting the bar awfully low.

Tim

Thank you for your compliments. I agree media standards are somewhat low and degrading...but thank you for seeing the entire purpose in this post being that a guy should not call a female athlete, in any sport, an escort just because she plays golf in a pro-am, clinic, or corporate function. He should retract his statement at least with an apology.

[Pondy]

I thought the Time article really screwed those girls over. Escort service, my a**! It was obviously written to sensationalize the subject, for page hit reasons....

But on the other hand, it would be kinda neat to help one of those young ladies line up their put, lol. I bet it must be humbling for us old farts to get out hit by a girl.

One last thought....

Just kidding! I'm a HUGE LPGA fan (for the right reasons).

[TheF5key]

I read the Time.com article the other day and my immediate reaction was "WTF?". To even insinuate that anything happening with PGD is in any way comparable to the shady world of escort services is appalling and borderline libelous.

Incidentally, did the PGD ranks shrink real recently, perhaps because of this "flap"?

[ragin cajun]

Tina,

I feel that it's unforunately the times we live in. A person can always expect at least one person to disagree with what they are doing. Keep on doing what makes you happy. While Tim has a great comment about his daughter (and this in not against you Tim), I feel it's up to the parents to show their kids what types of role models to choose.

[jimbonecrusher]

I see that PGD has lots of former Big Break participants. It seems like the line up of professionals are all very talented and skilled. Of course this is a niche market, and will always bring unwanted bashing, but who in their right mind would pay to play in a corporate outing with a woman that is not attractive, let alone doesn't have a good game? I can see how some people would find the business obscene or degrading, but I think it is perfect, because you are paying for a ringer to come participate on your team, and others who don't know who the women are will think that it is just a nice sight.

For me personally, if it were affordable, I would hire three of the professionals to come participate in my Army Unit's annual scramble. It would blow everybody away to have three professinal women playing on my team to just crush the field.

I think that society is the one that has pushed beauty as a requirement to popularity. The LPGA wouldn't survive right now on pure talent alone. Without beautiful women on the tour, men aren't likely to be lured to watch or attend an event unless they are true golf nuts, like myself. Heck, I went to the PING Standard Register back in the 90's and followed Beth Daniels, because she was an amazing golf, and I was 16 back then. If society didn't place such a high demand on sexuality and beauty, then the LPGA would be making huge profits and PGD would not exist. There is a market for it, so it exists. It may not be right in some respects, but it is what it is.

[SPY ZINGER]

The LPGA is loosing sponsors left and right in this economy. It needs to do something.

I have no problem with PGD. There is a purpose behind it, and it's far from an escort service as it's compared to in the article. Let's face it, no offense to any of the ladies, but none of them are at the top of the world rankings. The purses of ladies developmental tours are even less then the mens events. If this is a successful way to supplement their finances while they continue to pursue their dreams on the LPGA, I am all for it. The times of knee length shorts and oversized polo shirts on the LPGA are over. In fact, the fashion portrayed on PGD website is really consistent with Hollywood and current fashion. Look at the advertising for Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, heck, even Abercrombie & Fitch...you'll find their marketing models are consistent with PGD. The only difference is, these ladies are marketing golf and their likeness. This is a medium to generate income for these girls as well as enhance exposure since you are not finding their names at the tops of the leaderboards week to week. The time.com article is classless, and the author is confused as to the purpose of this endeavor.

Continued success PGD.

[DavePelz4]

Well...guess it's time to come clean. We've hired former professional golfers for our employees as part of a recognition event. We have a lot of passionate golfers and thought this would be a great perk. Everyone got to play a couple of holes with a former golfer who posed in Playboy and another major winner and legend of the game.

55 year old Jan Stephenson could not have been more gracious. 76 year old Billy Casper hit the most amazing shot I've ever seen.

Did we pay them for their time...sure. Does that make them anything other than professional, no. Surgeons get paid for their time and expertise. PGA Pro's play corporate events all the time. It's economics 101 (got a D in the class)...supply and demand.

Tina, there will always be doubters and people who will criticize. The people close to your heart will always know and they are the ones you should worry about.

[mrhills0146]

Tina, thanks for your post, it brings up some interesting points.

I read the article and it's totally out of line. Bush league, cheap journalism. Perhaps I ought to say "journalism" as that article is tripe, plain and simple.

That said, I have to say that your posting about your college GPA and job during that time smacks of a bit of defensiveness. Sorry to say, but it's really not relevant. There's no need to "admit" that you modeled as if that's something to be ashamed of - big deal, you modeled, so what?

Good luck to you and enjoy the outings and pro-ams. Most everyone on this site would LOVE to be invited to play these events on a regular basis - God knows I would!

[mizunogrrl]

Sensational journalism sells. It's pretty simple.

And, the fact that they compared you to a escort is unfortunate. But, they could have done a lot worse. Heck they even gave you the moral high ground. Really, they served you up a softball.

midasmulligan2000, on May 23 2009, 10:16 PM, said:

Well ... you want honesty? It is slightly complicated.

I am afraid I can't, however, share any outrage about the article. Certainly is was rather sensationalist. Yes, it appeared judgemental, appeared to be "bashing" ... but examine what's really going on.

[BDLz]

Midas nailed it IMO. You are a golf "escort" in the truest sense of the word. That term has come to mean something totally different in recent years (especially in Vegas) though. Sure, the magazine took that and ran with it and made it sound like something shady might be going on behind the bushes on the back nine, but that should have been anticipated by your boss. You can ask for an apology all you want, but I certainly wouldn't hold my breath waiting to hear from the writer or the magazine.

BDLz

[Auditor_Kevin]

This is absolutely shocking.

Do you mean to tell me that the magazine that has named Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin (twice) and the Ayatullah Khomeini as their "Man of the Year" screwed up a story?!?

Unbelievable.

[Tim Delgado]

midasmulligan2000, on May 23 2009, 09:16 PM, said:

Well ... you want honesty? It is slightly complicated.

First, let me say I have no problem with the business itself. Sounds interesting, though the value proposition sounds a bit limited in a number of ways. Not sure if will still exist in a few years ... but hey, I'm all for entrepreneurs finding what they believe is a market, and trying to serve it.

I am afraid I can't, however, share any outrage about the article. Certainly is was rather sensationalist. Yes, it appeared judgemental, appeared to be "bashing" ... but examine what's really going on.

PGD sells the companionship of women on golf courses to corporate buyers. Yes ... they are mostly very good golfers, this is part of the offering ... but really? Get real. How many clients contract for the services because the girls are good golfers? It is the other part of the offering ... the fact that they are personable, friendly, and for the most part ... hot.

Tell me, what does the term "Escort" actually mean? Well, in this culture currently, the term often is used as a euphamism for hookers and prostitution ... but there actually are genuine "Escorts" ... women (and, in fact, men) that are cultured, polished, beautiful/handsome, and will accompany someone, for a fee, to dinners, or other public events. As a matter of fact, PGD is an escort service (albeit a specialized, niche one) ... not in the Eliot Spitzer/Craigslist sense of the term ... but in the classical sense of the term. In fact, I have a dear friend ... a single woman that is a Wall Street executive ... that hires male escorts now and them for corporate parties. (She wants to go with someone, because she doesn't like getting hit on). She certainly doesn't sleep with them ... it has nothing to do with sex, but they look good, dress in Zegna suits, are well spoken ... and can play their part. This is what the term "Escort" meant. And (in some circles) still does.

However, there's a bigger issue here. And its about (if you don't mind me saying so) ... the need for PGD and its CEO to lear how to play in the big leagues if they want to be in that space. Of course Time Magazine created a sensationalized article, that was written to appeal to the readers that are its core market segment (which, incidentally, is not the same market segment as PGD aims at).

Yes ... they used PGD for its own purposes. Likewise, it appears as though RGD agreed to be interviewed for the story ... why? Well, obviously, because RGD wanted to use Time for its own purposes, no? Of course an appearance in Time could greatly help expand the potential client base. It is enormous, national publicity ... a magazine that is in every bookstore and newsstand in the country.

But, speaking as a guy that owns his own corporation, and has been dealing with the press for a couple of decades, it is naive not to understand that any time you deal with the media, it is a dance ... you try to use them, and they'll try to use you.

Golf is not in that great of a place right now. Women's golf especially. And yeah, in this world, the attractiveness of women golfers is one of the things that helps (to some degree) keep the numbers from going lower than they otherwise would. RGD seemed to understand this trend in modern women's golf ... and is trying to capitalize on it. (Sorry, but even the OP wouldn't have been on the Big Break if she had the identical game, but was a 250 pound "**** on spikes" ... as women golfers were too often called in the 60's and 70'). Hotness sells. The Big Break knows it. The LPGA knows it. Natalie knows it. and RGD knows it. I'm sure the women working for RGD have no illusions about why they were hired, nor why clients would select them.

Likewise, however, understand the modern print media is in terrible shape right now. Even huge, old newspapers and magazines are struggling (often unsuccessfully) to stay in business. What is this doing? Most of them are doing extremely focused market studies, aiming at specific sensibilities. The article Time did was not to "objectively" cover RGD, nor to facilitate the goals of RGD ... it was done (as all articles are done) to sell magazines. A good deal of its core base is "middle America". Not Vegas convention services buyers. The article was designed to appeal to its core market.

Truth is (weirdly enough) ... the fact that the article portrayed RGD as it did very likely will prove to help it in the long run. (To potential clients, Time's characterizations would do nothing other than increase interest).

Thing is, here's the bottom line ... I hope the CEO learned a lesson. You wanna dance with the devil, prepare to get burned. The bigger the media channel you deal with, the less control you have over your message. Of course you'll probably be portrayed in ways completely differently than you tried to convey. Of course you'll have sentences quoted out of context. Assume this ... and learn how to speak in such a way that mitigates the possible damage.

Second thing however ... I fear I have no sympathy for the RGD (or the OP) trying to play the victim here. Having that website designed as it is, offering the services RGD offers, and then complaining that someone portrayed you with implications, with a focus more on sex appeal than golf ... is rather like Hooters girls bitching about being objectified, and that no one focuses on their superlative waitressing skills. Good grief.

PS. OP, and RGD ... don't think I'm trying to trash-talk you here. Believe it or not, I'm trying to be helpful.

Excellent post. I agree with everything stated here.

The Hooters Girl comparison is pretty much dead on.

The OP is clearly an intelligent person. And therefore my hope is that she will quickly get over what will likely be a defensive and slightly-offended initial reaction regarding Mulligan's very honest and accurate post, then objectively digest this post and the situation she finds herself in. Then hopefully she can put her sharp mind to the task of developing other, more sophiticated and long-lasting ways to utilize her intelligence and her golf knowledge to create opportunities for herself.

IMO, what good-looking young women NEED to understand, is that men will ALWAYS give money, pay lip service and throw less-than-sincere attention at beautiful women.....but they will NEVER get the respect that a smart woman desires until the woman realizes that she needs to show more brains and less skin.

Tim

[Tinamillergolf]

Thank you for your responses. It is VERY IMPORTANT to UNDERSTAND that we are in NO WAY Escorts. Professional athletes make appearances for "appearance fees" to either showcase their talents, attend functions, speak about their successes and troubles and perform! To compare that to the likes of Hooters waitresses is absurd and ridiculous - not to mention offensive.

You are essentially saying that ALL TOUR PLAYERS (and potentially all athletes), including the Annikas, Lorenas, Tigers, Jack Nicklaus's and Gary Players.... are Escorts? (hahaha) Is that what you think? PGD (not RGD!!!!!) is comprised of up and coming female golf stars that are trying to make ends meet with the difficult costs and travel schedules that tour life takes. Nisha, the CEO, played on tour and realized that there was no opportunities for mini-tour players to showcase their talents, that is how PGD evolved.

As for the media, they did in fact BASH the business, because they cheapened and twisted the concept of why PGD exists. That is shallow and incorrect. These women would not be a part of the business if they weren't PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS FIRST. It is a bonus that they are personable, beautiful, well-spoken, well-traveled, athletic, dedicated and driven. These may be all characteristics of a Hooters waitress as well? Kudos to them:) But this is a GOLF organization, not a WING RESTAURANT or a CASINO.

Professional golf is a lone-man (or women) sport. It is a rough road to the top, as is any professional sport. It is a hustle and your scores are there for the world to see and judge. In the end, unless you play the sport at professional levels, you will never understand - and maybe that is the problem? Ignorance? Opportunities that present themselves to young professionals to participate in events and showcase their talents are few and far between in the golf world.

PGD creates opportunities for these players, and associating PGD with the word "escort" is uneducated and ignorant... and the discussion continues...

[Tim Delgado]

Tinamillergolf, on May 24 2009, 12:20 PM, said:

Thank you for your responses. It is VERY IMPORTANT to UNDERSTAND that we are in NO WAY Escorts. Professional athletes make appearances for "appearance fees" to either showcase their talents, attend functions, speak about their successes and troubles and perform! To compare that to the likes of Hooters waitresses is absurd and ridiculous - not to mention offensive.

You are essentially saying that ALL TOUR PLAYERS (and potentially all athletes), including the Annikas, Lorenas, Tigers, Jack Nicklaus's and Gary Players.... are Escorts? (hahaha) Is that what you think? PGD (not RGD!!!!!) is comprised of up and coming female golf stars that are trying to make ends meet with the difficult costs and travel schedules that tour life takes. Nisha, the CEO, played on tour and realized that there was no opportunities for mini-tour players to showcase their talents, that is how PGD evolved.

As for the media, they did in fact BASH the business, because they cheapened and twisted the concept of why PGD exists. That is shallow and incorrect. These women would not be a part of the business if they weren't PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS FIRST. It is a bonus that they are personable, beautiful, well-spoken, well-traveled, athletic, dedicated and driven. These may be all characteristics of a Hooters waitress as well? Kudos to them:) But this is a GOLF organization, not a WING RESTAURANT or a CASINO.

Professional golf is a lone-man (or women) sport. It is a rough road to the top, as is any professional sport. It is a hustle and your scores are there for the world to see and judge. In the end, unless you play the sport at professional levels, you will never understand - and maybe that is the problem? Ignorance? Opportunities that present themselves to young professionals to participate in events and showcase their talents are few and far between in the golf world.

PGD creates opportunities for these players, and associating PGD with the word "escort" is uneducated and ignorant... and the discussion continues...

I was pretty sure you that would take offense at Mulligan's post, but please consider this objectively.....the ladies of PGD are NOT being hired MAINLY because of their golf ability, or their status on a professional sports tour. I know that the golf is the funtion that gets everyone together, but you have to accept what is REALLY being marketed and how YOU are really being marketed. This operation is NOT marketing the top performers in women's golf, it is marketing sexy women who also play golf. I hope you can see the difference, because to be honest this is pretty obvious to most and is clearly the way you and the other women are being promoted (some would even say expoited). So, in that light, the Hooters comparison is accurate.

It may not be what you want to hear, but I know you are smart enough to realize (after honest input from those to which this type of marketing is aimed) that your participation in an outfit like this may not be percieved by the mostly male corporate world the same way that you would like it to be. And while the word "escort" can have the derogatory association with prostitution, Mulligan is correct in pointing out that it's ORIGINAL meaning simply describes someone "paid to accompany", and that could mean to dinner or the golf course.

I hope you don't take offense at any of these comments. I am just trying to be honest with you because IMO it is clear that you are not 100% clear on just how most men REALLY view this sort of thing.

Tim

[MtlJeff]

Tinamillergolf, on May 24 2009, 01:20 PM, said:

Thank you for your responses. It is VERY IMPORTANT to UNDERSTAND that we are in NO WAY Escorts. Professional athletes make appearances for "appearance fees" to either showcase their talents, attend functions, speak about their successes and troubles and perform! To compare that to the likes of Hooters waitresses is absurd and ridiculous - not to mention offensive.

You are essentially saying that ALL TOUR PLAYERS (and potentially all athletes), including the Annikas, Lorenas, Tigers, Jack Nicklaus's and Gary Players.... are Escorts? (hahaha) Is that what you think? PGD (not RGD!!!!!) is comprised of up and coming female golf stars that are trying to make ends meet with the difficult costs and travel schedules that tour life takes. Nisha, the CEO, played on tour and realized that there was no opportunities for mini-tour players to showcase their talents, that is how PGD evolved.

As for the media, they did in fact BASH the business, because they cheapened and twisted the concept of why PGD exists. That is shallow and incorrect. These women would not be a part of the business if they weren't PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS FIRST. It is a bonus that they are personable, beautiful, well-spoken, well-traveled, athletic, dedicated and driven. These may be all characteristics of a Hooters waitress as well? Kudos to them:) But this is a GOLF organization, not a WING RESTAURANT or a CASINO.

Professional golf is a lone-man (or women) sport. It is a rough road to the top, as is any professional sport. It is a hustle and your scores are there for the world to see and judge. In the end, unless you play the sport at professional levels, you will never understand - and maybe that is the problem? Ignorance? Opportunities that present themselves to young professionals to participate in events and showcase their talents are few and far between in the golf world.

PGD creates opportunities for these players, and associating PGD with the word "escort" is uneducated and ignorant... and the discussion continues...

as i mentioned above i fully support PGD's right to operate this business, but i don't think the article is as offensive as you make it out to be. The author doesn't even really critisize in his own words much (if at all?), he only reports what other women have said (for ex: the VP/education at a women's law center or the CEO of a women's sports foundation), and the women whose comments were solicited are in positions where you'd expect them to make comments like that, because the leaders of most women's groups tend to think that looks and talent/smarts can't co-exist and be celebrated.

the word "escort" is not a good choice of word. Obviously as MidasMulligan points out, the word "escort" doesn't mean hooker in the definition sense. But since that is what we have come to associate it with as a society it is a poor choice of words, because the author knows how it will be taken. I mean think about it, the word "lynch" in the definition sense doesn't have racial implications, but try telling that to Kelly Tilghman, so poor choice of words by the author.

but all in all, you can disagree with the author and the overall feel of the story, but it's not that offensive is it? I mean let's face it, you can say "wink wink" that the girls are hired solely for their talents at golf...but c'mon, the fact that they are attractive is a major selling point and you know that, right?

[Tinamillergolf]

I believe people are beginning to lose sight to the truth of the matter here. Was I offended by the article and do I think that the article was bad? YES! I believe anytime I would be called an escort is bad- and I hope that if you have daughter's that are trying to chase their dream that they would not be called escorts either. That is because in this day and age escort has a direct parallel with hooker or someone who is paid to do services OTHER than golf. It personally is degrading.

You all say very valid things and one that everyone seems to agree on is that we are hired for our looks not our game. Actually, if you asked Nisha (the CEO), the most requested girls are the ones on her site that are most recognized for their games and for their star status. I myself have been highly requested, and a lot of that has to do with the fact I was on a TV Show on the Golf Channel, called the Big Break Ka'anapali. Most of the girls requested for the big charity events and functions, have their LPGA cards because the hosts of these events want to say, at their corporate function "LPGA STAR". I unfortunately have never had that title.

The reason she formed the company was for us to make supplemental income. We are a lot of fun to play with and alot more reasonably priced than Tiger Woods and Natalie Gulbis for a daily rate, we up are the UP and COMING stars of the LPGA- to say that, "I played with Tina Miller before she made it on the LPGA!" (Wishful thinking for me...but you get my drift. Does it help that we are good looking? YES! This is why Nisha has taken our looks and ran with the marketing of it. Unfortunately as well, Natalie would not be hired at an event because of her golf game- it would be because of her star status and good looks. Prime example- RSM, her sponsor, hosts a contest each yr in which you can enter to play a round with Natalie...not Zach Johnson or Chris DiMarco- their other 2 athletes...

I just looked at the scores at the LPGA event. The winner took $225k while the winner of the Byron Nelson took home just over$1.1 million. Unfortunately it will never be equal, well I should not say never bc I really hope it does get better, but let's face it we need the top girls to step up and say they wont play until the purses are the same, like the women's ATP tour did. Unfortunately I do not think Lorena will do that...

I also want to state that golf is the only sport where you can TRULY get on the field and play with a pro athlete...so if we are calling us girls of PGD escorts, then so are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders each week because all the guys pay to goto the game and watch the game and cheerleaders, so is Tony Romo, because your ticket sales are helping his salary in the NFL, and each ticket bought helps his pocket so he technically is an escort for you at the game!

Here are a few articles of interest I thought you Golfwrx-ers would like to read up on "appearance fees".

Here is an excerpt from a Golfweek article that ran by Scott Hamilton
at this link: http://www.golfweek....img_news_010908


LPGA star Natalie Gulbis has left Octagon for IMG, joining a stable of golfers that includes Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam, several industry sources confirmed Jan. 9. Calls placed to Gulbis were not immediately returned, and attempts to reach John Steele, who will represent her for IMG, were unsuccessful.

Terms of the deal were unknown.

A copy of IMG's internal client list, obtained by Golfweek, included Gulbis' name, confirming her move. The list circulates among industry executives, quoting prices for IMG's players to be at corporate outings and other events.

This is another article from usatoday.com that ran in 2001 by Jill Leiber
at this link: http://www.usatoday....05-18-woods.htm

(ooooh tiger showing skin!!!He is not exactly bad looking either?!)

Yes, that's the less-than-complicated mathematical formula used to calculate the incredible $2.5-million appearance fee that Tiger Woods is reportedly being paid to participate in this week's SAP Open in Heidelberg, Germany.

You all say that you look up to Lorena Ochoa (she is amazing) well you can hire her to...wait does that make her an escort? Check this out!

(Wonder why they glammed Lorena up for this photo...oh yea because she is a pretty girl!!!)

http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/...oking-agent.php

Lorena Ochoa is now available for corporate event appearances, personal appearances, casino appearances, tradeshow appearances, corporate golf tournaments, sports camps, autograph signings, endorsement deals, television commercials, radio commercials, store grand openings, new product launch campaigns, spokesperson campaigns and speaking appearances. Book Lorena Ochoa to meet and mingle with your best corporate clients, friends and business associates. Contact us to find out about Lorena Ochoa booking fees, availability and appearance schedule....If your company is interested in finding out booking fees and availability for hiring Lorena Ochoa for an appearance, endorsement or speaking engagement, call us at 1.888.246.7141 or fill out the form below

Apparently, from a discolsed source, Lorena's fee is on the ups of $100k...


Here is Annika's booking fee from this site http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speaker...Sorenstam/7254:


Booking Fee Range : $50,001 and above ( About Speaking Fees )
You can even hire a long driver for your event...
"LONG DRIVING PROFESSIONALS FOR HIRE"™


http://longdrivers.net/

This is from SI.com (a TIME affiliate, talking about the W7 on the LPGA...what are they in, bikinis...why? Because they have good bodies and want to showcase that as well as their golf game!) It was GREAT marketing on the modeling company:


http://www.golf.com/golf/gallery/article/0...1818267,00.html

I can go on and on all day with these posts...and I am taking all the bad and the good comments in and digesting them. At the end of the day, you cannot put ESCORT with a pro-athlete service. Just because a girl is good looking and can play golf- does not mean that she is an escort or "spring break barmaid".

I have honestly been hurt by the press in the past and it doesn't bother me because usually they were talking about how bad I played in x-tournament or how I choked in y-tournament, but if a reporter ever called me an escort...I would take it to heart, just like this has taken me to heart and the other pros on the roster are upset as well. This is coming from a reporter that works from Time, Inc. The same company who "just for the pure money" puts out a swimsuit issue each year, with girls half-naked and sometimes naked with just body paint on.
Yea, that's body paint...clever huh? (You all wanted pics...haha)

We, as pro athletes, are so enraged by this "title" that some of us might actually pursue legal action. You can't just come out and say things that are outlandish and untrue- and they will pay the repurcussions. I wish he would have taken the 10 mins I took to google pro golf appearance fees to see how standard this is.

Golf Channel even did a Top 10 on the hottest golfers...this shows you that sex appeal is nothing new...




So the question is....does good looks and sex appeal sell? Is it bad that these people are great golfers (and athletes like Michael Phelps above) and good looking too? And that they draw crowds on the PGA and LPGA for their cool fashion on the course and unique personalities? Just like PGD is offering at a fraction of the price to play with stars from the Golf Channel, LPGA, Canadian and Futures Tours???

I feel I have made a few valid points and shown quite a few "glamour" shots of Pro athletes...I am very curious to hear your comments.

[Tim Delgado]

A few more things should be mentioned IMO.

The OP (Tina Miller) handled herself with the utmost in class and dignity during the BB show she appeared on. Watching some of the other contestants makes it clear that not everyone does.

In fact, based upon all the ridiculous comments and behavor I have witnessed coming from SEVERAL of the BBers in several of the shows, maybe the BB should have a contest based on how to ACT while competing on the golf course!

That being said, I can understand how Tina would be upset by the inference made by using the "escort" word, and I also agree that the writer should retract that wording and make it clear that these women are in NO way doing anything that might be classified as call girl-ish. They are modeling, and doing so while playing golf, simple as that

Also however, these women should realize (even the women that were, or are on a golf channel show) that appearance fees for golfing are NOT paid to women on the Futures Tours or other mini tours. These fees are being paid basically as modeling fees. The golf is simply a connection that allows these models to make appearances at corporate golf outings. I would be very surprised to hear of any "average or below average-looking" mini tour players getting appearance fees to play golf at corporate outings, regardless of how good they performed on the mini tour that year. And while Tina Miller did have a very accomplished collegiate golf career, appearance fees are not paid to college golfers either.

While some of us may PERSONALLY think that these women could aspire to bigger and better things than golf calendars in short skirts and heels or golf course modeling, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with these women choosing to be golfer-models and make appearances as such. Let's just not confuse this with being paid an appearance fee for being a top athlete in your sport.

Is there a double standard in the world about this sort of thing....Yes. Is it fair....of course not. But beautiful women receive treatment and advantages that normal-looking woman don't get either.

There will always be differences in the way a woman's actions are percieved, ESPECIALLY if that woman is good-looking and is "using her looks" for financial gain in any arena outside of actual modeling work.

Tim

[mrhills0146]

I guess I don't see the problem here, and I certainly don't see it as shocking or as a grand revelation that people would prefer to play golf with someone who looks nice and can play.

The "article" was bush league, piss poor journalism, but if you put yourself out there in the public eye, I can't say that I feel any sympathy. You know what you're getting into, and it's not any secret that media outlets like CNN and Time have regressed to the point of a cesspool.

[MtlJeff]

Tina, your main issue seems to be the use of the word "escort". Which is only used twice in the entire article, in the headline (ok not cool) and later on when he prefaces it by saying "at first glance it appears...". We all agree that sex sells right? We all agree that you are not actually hookers right? We all agree that your booking for corporate outings are based on (equal?) parts looks, fame and game

it's funny you should show the pics of Adam Scott because that guy gets some huge galleries and it's not always based on his play. Does him posing without a shirt insult me as a male and set my gender back? No...Nor does PGK's existence set women back.

I mean, we all agree on that? I think we're good here...don't swell on the author's use of the word escort. If you ever make it to top 10 in the world etc. i'm sure you'll deal with far worse from the media. There are always people looking to be controversial you can't let it get to you

besides it's not like he whispered choke during your backswing

[Tinamillergolf]

Tim Delgado, on May 24 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

A few more things should be mentioned IMO.

The OP (Tina Miller) handled herself with the utmost in class and dignity during the BB show she appeared on. Watching some of the other contestants makes it clear that not everyone does.

In fact, based upon all the ridiculous comments and behavor I have witnessed coming from SEVERAL of the BBers in several of the shows, maybe the BB should have a contest based on how to ACT while competing on the golf course!

That being said, I can understand how Tina would be upset by the inference made by using the "escort" word, and I also agree that the writer should retract that wording and make it clear that these women are in NO way doing anything that might be classified as call girl-ish. They are modeling, and doing so while playing golf, simple as that

Also however, these women should realize (even the women that were, or are on a golf channel show) that appearance fees for golfing are NOT paid to women on the Futures Tours or other mini tours. These fees are being paid basically as modeling fees. The golf is simply a connection that allows these models to make appearances at corporate golf outings. I would be very surprised to hear of any "average or below average-looking" mini tour players getting appearance fees to play golf at corporate outings, regardless of how good they performed on the mini tour that year. And while Tina Miller did have a very accomplished collegiate golf career, appearance fees are not paid to college golfers either.

While some of us may PERSONALLY think that these women could aspire to bigger and better things than golf calendars in short skirts and heels or golf course modeling, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with these women choosing to be golfer-models and make appearances as such. Let's just not confuse this with being paid an appearance fee for being a top athlete in your sport.

Is there a double standard in the world about this sort of thing....Yes. Is it fair....of course not. But beautiful women receive treatment and advantages that normal-looking woman don't get either.

There will always be differences in the way a woman's actions are percieved, ESPECIALLY if that woman is good-looking and is "using her looks" for financial gain in any arena outside of actual modeling work.

Tim

Tim, thank you very much for your compliments and support of me while I was on the Big Break. I truly appreciate that you did feel I had class while on the show and that was the one thing I did feel I walked away from when I did my final walk.

Thank you also for understanding that we should not be called escorts. It is just wrong and degrading...to correct you, however, I played on the Futures tour for 2 full seasons, 06 and 07 and there were a few outings in which the Futures did pay me, so yes there were appearances at various events in which I hosted clinics, went to schools to speak and played in 9 hole outings. It was not a LOT of money, but it did help with a hotel room fee for the night (gives you an idea of what we were paid). It was the Futures tour Player Promo Team, which is still in full force on the tour. There were girls of all backgrounds on this team, but a majority of them, selected by the Futures tour marketing, were good looking. Also, the couple LPGA events I played in also had Pro-Ams. I also was given a small fee to participate, as was each pro. So not only models get paid for appearances, as I also stated in my last post...ALL pro athletes do this, including my husband who is in the NFL. He gets paid to do things like "celebrity bartending, golf tournaments, speaking, etc." People just like to interact with others who call themselves pro athletes, just in golf you can actually spend 4-5 hours with them, and actually play golf too. MY husband, as well as those that will be playing in the CVS event in June (who are hired out by Peter Jacobson Sports) are not just people who excel in golf- but also those that have personalities...that are well known and YES a majority are good looking but all are hired bc we are pro golfers.

The reason Nisha started this company (I feel like a broken record) was to help players get supplemental income. If there was an outing during an off week that was going to pay me $x amount of dollars that she booked, because someone requested me, I would play in it because it was extra money in my pocket and unlike a Futures tour event- all expenses paid.

Hope this somewhat clears up the statement...

[Tinamillergolf]

Oh and also to further on college athletes being paid for outings...college players cannot get paid for outings because it is an NCAA violation. You cannot even receive a bottle of water if a member of a club you practice at buys it for you while in college.

[SPY ZINGER]

I just think it's great someone like Tina is posting on our forum...not just posts...but intelligent conversation.

Now having said that...no more almost nekkid' pics of IAN!!!

[Watch]

Quote

Second thing however ... I fear I have no sympathy for the RGD (or the OP) trying to play the victim here. Having that website designed as it is, offering the services RGD offers, and then complaining that someone portrayed you with implications, with a focus more on sex appeal than golf ... is rather like Hooters girls bitching about being objectified, and that no one focuses on their superlative waitressing skills. Good grief.

Midasmulligan200 nailed it.

If Gulbis had the game that Ochoa had, maybe she wouldn't think she had to pose in a bikini. If Poulter had the game that Tiger had, he wouldn't be trying to grab attention with an idiotic naked pose behind a golf bag. Player, Nicklaus, and other champions showed up to play golf, not escort some hackers around a course.

If Hooters girls like Gulbis want to be noticed for their golf, gee, I guess they should work on their golf more than their modeling.

[Tim Delgado]

Watch, on May 24 2009, 08:30 PM, said:

Quote

Second thing however ... I fear I have no sympathy for the RGD (or the OP) trying to play the victim here. Having that website designed as it is, offering the services RGD offers, and then complaining that someone portrayed you with implications, with a focus more on sex appeal than golf ... is rather like Hooters girls bitching about being objectified, and that no one focuses on their superlative waitressing skills. Good grief.

Midasmulligan200 nailed it.

If Gulbis had the game that Ochoa had, maybe she wouldn't think she had to pose in a bikini. If Poulter had the game that Tiger had, he wouldn't be trying to grab attention with an idiotic naked pose behind a golf bag. Player, Nicklaus, and other champions showed up to play golf, not escort some hackers around a course.

If Hooters girls like Gulbis want to be noticed for their golf, gee, I guess they should work on their golf more than their modeling.

These comments are rather blunt, and Watch certainly did not go to any trouble to hide his thoughts on the matter , but this DOES show the women out there exactly how a LARGE percentage of men look at this issue.

Tina, like it or not (and yes I know there is a double standard at work here), this is what most men I know think.

Tim

[Tinamillergolf]

Watch, on May 24 2009, 08:30 PM, said:

Quote

Second thing however ... I fear I have no sympathy for the RGD (or the OP) trying to play the victim here. Having that website designed as it is, offering the services RGD offers, and then complaining that someone portrayed you with implications, with a focus more on sex appeal than golf ... is rather like Hooters girls bitching about being objectified, and that no one focuses on their superlative waitressing skills. Good grief.

Midasmulligan200 nailed it.

If Gulbis had the game that Ochoa had, maybe she wouldn't think she had to pose in a bikini. If Poulter had the game that Tiger had, he wouldn't be trying to grab attention with an idiotic naked pose behind a golf bag. Player, Nicklaus, and other champions showed up to play golf, not escort some hackers around a course.

If Hooters girls like Gulbis want to be noticed for their golf, gee, I guess they should work on their golf more than their modeling.

Correct. If Gulbis had the game Ochoa had then the LPGA wouldn't be in the gutter.

[mrhills0146]

Watch, there's an important difference there. Obvious you're just trying to flame and get a rise out of people, but I'm actually going to try to keep this sensible.

See Tina's first post - she is not on the LPGA Tour. She admitted she doesn't have the game for it. PGD is supplemental income and sorely needed exposure and marketing for the LPGA.

Her beef is with the tone of the article and the use of the word "escort" which was inaccurate and in poor taste.

Oh, and Natalie Gulbis is one of the best golfers in the world, she's hardly a "Hooters girl."

[Tinamillergolf]

DUBLIN, OH - MAY 30: (L to R) Jack Nicklaus (L to R) walks to the 8th green with pro-am playing partners Tom May, Robert Faitell, and Aubrey McClendon during the Morgan Stanley Pro-Am Invitational at The Memorial Tournament May 30, 2007 in Dublin, Ohio.

Oh wait did you say that Nicklaus doesn't escort hackers on the golf course???

[migolfke]

I don't think anyone would argue that Jack Nickolous or Arnold Palmer or Michael Jordan or Annika Sorenstam or any other well known professional athlete participates in pro-ams, or takes money to play with amatuers. The reason people want to play with them is because they are great athletes and our culture has a fascination with professional athletes/ celebraties.

I think what people are saying about PGD is that while in fact it might be a service to promote professional female golfers, in practice it puts very attractive woman on the golf course with mostly men. Men are generaly more concerned about the looks of their "professional playing partner" than if they shot 71 or 75.

Also, I don't think anyone is begrudging or degrading you or the woman of PGD. You have to make money on the side. Many aspiring professionals (not just golf) have to do this. Some wait tables, some caddy at a country club, some work construction, etc. PGD is using sex appeal to help aspiring woman pursue golf. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is what it is.

Congratulations on you success in golf so far, and best of luck making it to the LPGA. I wish I had the talent in gofl to pursue a professional carreer.