LPGA Tour Sets Language Policy

As more and more foreign players have come to dominate the LPGA, Tour officials warned members this week that they must become conversant in English by 2009 or face suspension. The tour feels that English-speaking skills could be more appealing to sponsors.

The new rule will particularly affect the growing South Korean contingent of players. Starting next year, players who have been on the tour for two years must pass an oral English test or lose their playing privileges.

"This should be a priority in their professional development just the way working on their short game is a priority," LPGA Tour deputy commissioner Libby Galloway said. "We just wanted to be clear about our expectations.

"Why now? Athletes now have more responsibilities and we want to help their professional development," Galloway added. "There are more fans, more media and more sponsors."

Tour officials held a mandatory meeting with South Korean players last Wednesday at the Safeway Classic in Portland to inform them of the new policy. There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, including 45 players from South Korea.

Angela Park, born in Brazil of South Korean heritage and raised in the United States, said the policy is fair and good. "A lot of Korean players think they are being targeted, but it's just because there are so many of them," Park said.

Five-time major winner Se Ri Pak agrees with the policy but favored a fine instead of a suspension, according to Golfweek.com. "We agree we should speak some English," the South Korean said. "We play so good overall. When you win, you should give your speech in English. Mostly what comes out is nerves. Totally different language in front of camera. You're excited and not thinking in English."

Galloway said the LPGA will do all it can to ensure that players succeed in learning the language during the evaluation process. "What we would do is work with them on where they fell short, provide them the resources they need, the tutoring. And when we feel like they need to be evaluated again, we would evaluate."