Increasing LPGA popularity and how to solve problems if any

[Divot License]

> @LICC said:

> Isn’t it obvious? If the LPGA wants more interest and higher ratings, it needs more golfers that are more interesting to US audiences. There aren’t many at all currently. Lexi could be it but she isn’t good enough. Maybe Lydia Ko but she has dropped off a cliff. Are any of the new ones coming in good enough and compelling enough? Who knows?

 

I don't understand why they have to be interesting to US audiences only. I'm from the UK and many of my golfing friends also watch the LPGA. We all watch for different reasons. Some to see very attractive women in some rather appealing clothing, some for the incredible golfing skill, some to try and learn how to play better from people more relate-able than PGA pros.

At no time have I ever heard anyone say in person that the nationality prevents the player being appealing to watch. Some of these ladies are real characters, with great personalities and some are not. It's no different to the PGA tour. Tiger was the best golfer in the world for many many years but he was boring to watch from a personality point, yet that didn't stop people watching.

The LPGA is now a global enterprise not a US enterprise and I personally like all the more for it.

[LICC]

> @Jedaigeki said:

> > @LICC said:

> > Isn’t it obvious? If the LPGA wants more interest and higher ratings, it needs more golfers that are more interesting to US audiences. There aren’t many at all currently. Lexi could be it but she isn’t good enough. Maybe Lydia Ko but she has dropped off a cliff. Are any of the new ones coming in good enough and compelling enough? Who knows?

>

> I don't understand why they have to be interesting to US audiences only. I'm from the UK and many of my golfing friends also watch the LPGA. We all watch for different reasons. Some to see very attractive women in some rather appealing clothing, some for the incredible golfing skill, some to try and learn how to play better from people more relate-able than PGA pros.

> At no time have I ever heard anyone say in person that the nationality prevents the player being appealing to watch. Some of these ladies are real characters, with great personalities and some are not. It's no different to the PGA tour. Tiger was the best golfer in the world for many many years but he was boring to watch from a personality point, yet that didn't stop people watching.

> The LPGA is now a global enterprise not a US enterprise and I personally like all the more for it.

 

The US is by far the biggest market. And I never said nationality prevents the player from being appealing to watch. An inability to speak English may be some factor, but not nationality.

[Divot License]

But surely the assumption that the US markets needs to grow is flawed. Why not expand the LPGA market globally since it's possible that the US market is currently maxed out.

[Argonne69]

Global indeed. During the broadcast this weekend, they mention the number of World ranked players from Thailand. Fifteen years ago it was 2. Seven years ago it was 12. There are now 50.

[LICC]

> @Jedaigeki said:

> But surely the assumption that the US markets needs to grow is flawed. Why not expand the LPGA market globally since it's possible that the US market is currently maxed out.

 

The title of this thread is Increasing LPGA popularity ... So why assume its popularity is maxed out in the US?

Sure, go try to increase LPGA popularity in other markets, but nothing will make a dent compared to the US market.

[Argonne69]

> @LICC said:

> > @Jedaigeki said:

> > But surely the assumption that the US markets needs to grow is flawed. Why not expand the LPGA market globally since it's possible that the US market is currently maxed out.

>

> The title of this thread is Increasing LPGA popularity ... So why assume its popularity is maxed out in the US?

> Sure, go try to increase LPGA popularity in other markets, but nothing will make a dent compared to the US market.

 

Lol. Why is that? The U.S. represents 4.3% of the World's population. The market in China and India have barely been scratched.

[Shilgy]

> @LICC said:

> > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > For me it's an accesability issue, finding it on TV in the UK is the hardest part. DVR's allow for the time differences however if it's not being broadcast I can't record it.

> > > I would love a PGA/LPGA channel like the NFL have, that would allow all the golf to be shown worldwide in one concise place for fans to get access.

> >

> > Agree. Accessibility is a key factor. Even for people with cable, many aren't digging to find it unless they are a diehard fan or happen to stumble upon it. To be more popular it needs to be available to the masses with ease.

>

> I don't see this as a factor at all, in the US at least. Almost everyone who is a golf fan can easily access Golf Channel, which shows a lot of the LPGA. The problem is a lack of compelling top LPGA golfers at this time.

 

I love watching the LPGA so am more familiar with the players than are most. But...watch the men play and who do you see? Many have been at the top for years so that the casual fan has name recognition immediately. Tiger, Phil, Furyk, Scott, Sergio, Casey, Rose, DJ, Rory and more have been at the top or near it for 10-20 years. That name recognition captures the more casual fan which helps them learn the new names as well. Men generally have been know to hit their prime in their early 30's.

Compare that to the LPGA where for most players once they hit 30-35 they are slowing down.

 

[duffer987]

> @LICC said:

> > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > Isn’t it obvious? If the LPGA wants more interest and higher ratings, it needs more golfers that are more interesting to US audiences. There aren’t many at all currently. Lexi could be it but she isn’t good enough. Maybe Lydia Ko but she has dropped off a cliff. Are any of the new ones coming in good enough and compelling enough? Who knows?

> >

> > I don't understand why they have to be interesting to US audiences only. I'm from the UK and many of my golfing friends also watch the LPGA. We all watch for different reasons. Some to see very attractive women in some rather appealing clothing, some for the incredible golfing skill, some to try and learn how to play better from people more relate-able than PGA pros.

> > At no time have I ever heard anyone say in person that the nationality prevents the player being appealing to watch. Some of these ladies are real characters, with great personalities and some are not. It's no different to the PGA tour. Tiger was the best golfer in the world for many many years but he was boring to watch from a personality point, yet that didn't stop people watching.

> > The LPGA is now a global enterprise not a US enterprise and I personally like all the more for it.

>

> The US is by far the biggest market. And I never said nationality prevents the player from being appealing to watch. An inability to speak English may be some factor, but not nationality.

 

English speaking inability hasn't hindered Dustin Johnson's marketability and Kevin Kisner seems to be doing alright for himself.

Who sticks around for the pre-game/post-game anyways? On course > off course by a country mile.

[ChronicSlicer]

> @LICC said:

> If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

 

Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

[GoGoErky]

> @ChronicSlicer said:

> > @LICC said:

> > If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

>

> Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

 

She was playing so well coming out of college and the hype with her and kupcho was high. One has continued to play well with a few hiccups and Maria is almost an after thought

[ChronicSlicer]

> @GoGoErky said:

> > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

> >

> > Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

>

> She was playing so well coming out of college and the hype with her and kupcho was high. One has continued to play well with a few hiccups and Maria is almost an after thought

 

Sometimes it hard to live up to that hype at a higher level. I wouldn't be too concerned just yet with her. It's a big adjustment.

Blame the media for the hype, obviously. I know it's their job, but sometimes it's too much too early.

[GoGoErky]

> @ChronicSlicer said:

> > @GoGoErky said:

> > > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > > @LICC said:

> > > > If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

> > >

> > > Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

> >

> > She was playing so well coming out of college and the hype with her and kupcho was high. One has continued to play well with a few hiccups and Maria is almost an after thought

>

> Sometimes it hard to live up to that hype at a higher level. I wouldn't be too concerned just yet with her. It's a big adjustment.

> Blame the media for the hype, obviously. I know it's their job, but sometimes it's too much too early.

 

They kind of had to hype her. The way she played her last year in college, the Augusta women’s event and winning individual championship.

 

I’m hoping she adjusts and finishes strong

[ChronicSlicer]

> @GoGoErky said:

> > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > @GoGoErky said:

> > > > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

> > > >

> > > > Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

> > >

> > > She was playing so well coming out of college and the hype with her and kupcho was high. One has continued to play well with a few hiccups and Maria is almost an after thought

> >

> > Sometimes it hard to live up to that hype at a higher level. I wouldn't be too concerned just yet with her. It's a big adjustment.

> > Blame the media for the hype, obviously. I know it's their job, but sometimes it's too much too early.

>

> They kind of had to hype her. The way she played her last year in college, the Augusta women’s event and winning individual championship.

>

> I’m hoping she adjusts and finishes strong

 

Oh I agree with the hype following her college play, but maybe dial it back a bit until the player can prove they are worth it at the next level. It must be mentally tough to see your face plastered on tv, and newspapers and media chasing you down for interviews and then go out and not live up to how great you're supposed to be. That can't be good for young people in any way shape or form.

[GoGoErky]

> @ChronicSlicer said:

> > @GoGoErky said:

> > > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > > @GoGoErky said:

> > > > > @ChronicSlicer said:

> > > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > > If Maria Fassi rolled off some major wins I could see people being interested.

> > > > >

> > > > > Maria Fassi needs to work on making the cut line first...missing 5 in a row isn't gonna get ya much attention. Her attire will get her more a fanbase than her game, for now at least.

> > > >

> > > > She was playing so well coming out of college and the hype with her and kupcho was high. One has continued to play well with a few hiccups and Maria is almost an after thought

> > >

> > > Sometimes it hard to live up to that hype at a higher level. I wouldn't be too concerned just yet with her. It's a big adjustment.

> > > Blame the media for the hype, obviously. I know it's their job, but sometimes it's too much too early.

> >

> > They kind of had to hype her. The way she played her last year in college, the Augusta women’s event and winning individual championship.

> >

> > I’m hoping she adjusts and finishes strong

>

> Oh I agree with the hype following her college play, but maybe dial it back a bit until the player can prove they are worth it at the next level. It must be mentally tough to see your face plastered on tv, and newspapers and media chasing you down for interviews and then go out and not live up to how great you're supposed to be. That can't be good for young people in any way shape or form.

 

The media always looking for that next big thing. I think she puts a little pressure on herself to be s representative for Mexico and Mexican girls and to live up to the hype.

[1t2golf]

Topic cleaned up. All the political, non-political nonsense removed.

 

Keep responses on topic and knock off the bickering. Take it to PM or stay out of this topic. Any further reports will result in warnings and suspensions.

[OBbogey5]

It is what it is. It will never be big, so long as the men are over there doing it better and bigger than the other guy.

 

In response to what can make it bigger.. Sure, the Tour could take more chances and dive into personal lives of its players, as the OP suggests. It should also recognize that any whining from the players about “Why aren’t we getting paid like men!?” is silly, and hurts the brand. Nobody likes a crybaby. There’s a double standard here for sure, but again, it is what it is.

 

I’m sure this was mentioned (sorry, haven’t read through the whole thread yet)...look to tennis as your inspiration. If ya wanna get paid like that, compared to men, ya need an American player to become the greatest of all time for 20 years. That’s how it’s done.

[Raving Shanker]

> @Shilgy said:

> > @LICC said:

> > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > > For me it's an accesability issue, finding it on TV in the UK is the hardest part. DVR's allow for the time differences however if it's not being broadcast I can't record it.

> > > > I would love a PGA/LPGA channel like the NFL have, that would allow all the golf to be shown worldwide in one concise place for fans to get access.

> > >

> > > Agree. Accessibility is a key factor. Even for people with cable, many aren't digging to find it unless they are a diehard fan or happen to stumble upon it. To be more popular it needs to be available to the masses with ease.

> >

> > I don't see this as a factor at all, in the US at least. Almost everyone who is a golf fan can easily access Golf Channel, which shows a lot of the LPGA. The problem is a lack of compelling top LPGA golfers at this time.

>

> I love watching the LPGA so am more familiar with the players than are most. But...watch the men play and who do you see? Many have been at the top for years so that the casual fan has name recognition immediately. Tiger, Phil, Furyk, Scott, Sergio, Casey, Rose, DJ, Rory and more have been at the top or near it for 10-20 years. That name recognition captures the more casual fan which helps them learn the new names as well. Men generally have been know to hit their prime in their early 30's.

> Compare that to the LPGA where for most players once they hit 30-35 they are slowing down.

>

But is that a good thing or bad thing for the PGA. I get the feeling that some PGA players are complacent. I don't mean lazy, either. I mean they can earn mega-dollars as journeymen - and that they do, for decades.

[Shilgy]

> @"Raving Shanker" said:

> > @Shilgy said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > > > For me it's an accesability issue, finding it on TV in the UK is the hardest part. DVR's allow for the time differences however if it's not being broadcast I can't record it.

> > > > > I would love a PGA/LPGA channel like the NFL have, that would allow all the golf to be shown worldwide in one concise place for fans to get access.

> > > >

> > > > Agree. Accessibility is a key factor. Even for people with cable, many aren't digging to find it unless they are a diehard fan or happen to stumble upon it. To be more popular it needs to be available to the masses with ease.

> > >

> > > I don't see this as a factor at all, in the US at least. Almost everyone who is a golf fan can easily access Golf Channel, which shows a lot of the LPGA. The problem is a lack of compelling top LPGA golfers at this time.

> >

> > I love watching the LPGA so am more familiar with the players than are most. But...watch the men play and who do you see? Many have been at the top for years so that the casual fan has name recognition immediately. Tiger, Phil, Furyk, Scott, Sergio, Casey, Rose, DJ, Rory and more have been at the top or near it for 10-20 years. That name recognition captures the more casual fan which helps them learn the new names as well. Men generally have been know to hit their prime in their early 30's.

> > Compare that to the LPGA where for most players once they hit 30-35 they are slowing down.

> >

> But is that a good thing or bad thing for the PGA. I get the feeling that some PGA players are complacent. I don't mean lazy, either. I mean they can earn mega-dollars as journeymen - and that they do, for decades.

 

If they are good enough to keep their card for decades they are not journeymen. Your idea of mega dollars is far different from those on tour, it in other sports. Golfers are woefully underpaid compared to other professionals athletes.

[Enduro59]

> @Shilgy said:

> > @"Raving Shanker" said:

> > > @Shilgy said:

> > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > > > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > > > > For me it's an accesability issue, finding it on TV in the UK is the hardest part. DVR's allow for the time differences however if it's not being broadcast I can't record it.

> > > > > > I would love a PGA/LPGA channel like the NFL have, that would allow all the golf to be shown worldwide in one concise place for fans to get access.

> > > > >

> > > > > Agree. Accessibility is a key factor. Even for people with cable, many aren't digging to find it unless they are a diehard fan or happen to stumble upon it. To be more popular it needs to be available to the masses with ease.

> > > >

> > > > I don't see this as a factor at all, in the US at least. Almost everyone who is a golf fan can easily access Golf Channel, which shows a lot of the LPGA. The problem is a lack of compelling top LPGA golfers at this time.

> > >

> > > I love watching the LPGA so am more familiar with the players than are most. But...watch the men play and who do you see? Many have been at the top for years so that the casual fan has name recognition immediately. Tiger, Phil, Furyk, Scott, Sergio, Casey, Rose, DJ, Rory and more have been at the top or near it for 10-20 years. That name recognition captures the more casual fan which helps them learn the new names as well. Men generally have been know to hit their prime in their early 30's.

> > > Compare that to the LPGA where for most players once they hit 30-35 they are slowing down.

> > >

> > But is that a good thing or bad thing for the PGA. I get the feeling that some PGA players are complacent. I don't mean lazy, either. I mean they can earn mega-dollars as journeymen - and that they do, for decades.

>

> If they are good enough to keep their card for decades they are not journeymen. Your idea of mega dollars is far different from those on tour, it in other sports. Golfers are woefully underpaid compared to other professionals athletes.

 

I didn't look up Webster's definition of journeyman but if anyone can keep their card for more than a season or two and never win a tournament I don't have a problem with someone calling them a journeyman. I call them filthy rich losers.

[Shilgy]

> @Enduro59 said:

> > @Shilgy said:

> > > @"Raving Shanker" said:

> > > > @Shilgy said:

> > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > > > > @Jedaigeki said:

> > > > > > > For me it's an accesability issue, finding it on TV in the UK is the hardest part. DVR's allow for the time differences however if it's not being broadcast I can't record it.

> > > > > > > I would love a PGA/LPGA channel like the NFL have, that would allow all the golf to be shown worldwide in one concise place for fans to get access.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Agree. Accessibility is a key factor. Even for people with cable, many aren't digging to find it unless they are a diehard fan or happen to stumble upon it. To be more popular it needs to be available to the masses with ease.

> > > > >

> > > > > I don't see this as a factor at all, in the US at least. Almost everyone who is a golf fan can easily access Golf Channel, which shows a lot of the LPGA. The problem is a lack of compelling top LPGA golfers at this time.

> > > >

> > > > I love watching the LPGA so am more familiar with the players than are most. But...watch the men play and who do you see? Many have been at the top for years so that the casual fan has name recognition immediately. Tiger, Phil, Furyk, Scott, Sergio, Casey, Rose, DJ, Rory and more have been at the top or near it for 10-20 years. That name recognition captures the more casual fan which helps them learn the new names as well. Men generally have been know to hit their prime in their early 30's.

> > > > Compare that to the LPGA where for most players once they hit 30-35 they are slowing down.

> > > >

> > > But is that a good thing or bad thing for the PGA. I get the feeling that some PGA players are complacent. I don't mean lazy, either. I mean they can earn mega-dollars as journeymen - and that they do, for decades.

> >

> > If they are good enough to keep their card for decades they are not journeymen. Your idea of mega dollars is far different from those on tour, it in other sports. Golfers are woefully underpaid compared to other professionals athletes.

>

> I didn't look up Webster's definition of journeyman but if anyone can keep their card for more than a season or two and never win a tournament I don't have a problem with someone calling them a journeyman. I call them filthy rich losers.

 

Ok, for what it's worth here's my logic....

The 5th best player on a MLB team. Figure for most teams that one pitcher and four hitters. Is #5 a journeyman? That is roughly the best #121-150 in baseball. Are they journeyman or great ballplayers?

For sure they are wealthy I agree.

[Divot License]

I am enjoying the hype the Solheim has been receiving these past few weeks. It will never rival the Ryder Cup in grand scale but the golf and the atmosphere can and that's what should be made the spectacle of it.

[NaBUru38]

http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-9-15-2019.html

The Solheim Cup appears nowhere.

[Argonne69]

> @NaBUru38 said:

> http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-9-15-2019.html

> The Solheim Cup appears nowhere.

 

Funny, but the 2018 Ryder Cup did the same thing: [showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-9-30-2018.html](http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-9-30-2018.html "showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-9-30-2018.html")