Asian representation on the LPGA vs PGA

[Golf Dino]

4 hours ago, Lobby said:

I just don't like these "Asian" threads re the LPGA.

We are one people in one planet.  

 

I realize one can ask why some from one country are doing so well without it being racist, but with so many attacks on Asians in the USA, I can't help but conflate the two issues.

 

Well, for what its worth there are a few of us in this thread that are Asians too ... I think so long as it stays at this level (more of a scholarly like discussion), then fine.  But if it deviates quickly, then yeah, it should be stopped/shut down, etc.

 

 

[GoGoErky]

On 5/8/2021 at 12:35 PM, llewol007 said:

I think that its more lucrative for the Asian golfers to compete on the LPGA Stage. The purses are probably bigger and the exposure is better. 

It also has to do with the olympics. The world ranking points are higher for lpga events than for klpga or other tours.

 

 

[HMHS]

11 hours ago, Lobby said:

I just don't like these "Asian" threads re the LPGA.

We are one people in one planet.  

 

I realize one can ask why some from one country are doing so well without it being racist, but with so many attacks on Asians in the USA, I can't help but conflate the two issues.

Now that I think about it more (and why I did caveat some of my replies there with words such as "on a spontaneous answer"), that's part of the reason why I also used Colin, Kevin etc as examples on this thread (PGA Vs LPGA) - after all, if you asked them if they consider themselves as asians too, I’m confident they answer on the affirmative.. Anyway, you have a solid point... for me, more adding color to the discussion since someone asked for perspective...   but yes, it seems these things end up more "controversial" than it needs to be, so I agree with your statement/quote

[PixlPutterman]

14 hours ago, Lobby said:

I just don't like these "Asian" threads re the LPGA.

We are one people in one planet.  

 

I realize one can ask why some from one country are doing so well without it being racist, but with so many attacks on Asians in the USA, I can't help but conflate the two issues.

 

While I understand your concern, nothing troublesome ever came up in this thread, not even close. If it had came up I would be the very first to call it out.

 

We are one people, but we are one people with thousands of different cultures. Cultures that vary wildly and that some find interesting.

 

Seems like you are almost trying to make an issue out of something that doesn't exist in this thread. I almost think you haven't read the conversation that has been taking place in the thread.

 

Im not sure why there is a need to conflate healthy curiosity and civil discussion with repugnant racism. Be careful to demonize genuine curiosity.

 

edit : that isnt to undermine the genuine issues going on in America, I get the concern.

Edited May 12, 2021 by PixlPutterman

[Rustbelt]

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/gw20080808sirak

 

I found this article from 2008 interesting.  Flood gate opened around this time...

[MelloYello]

Maybe there's just fewer (elite level) American women when it comes to golf? 

 

I have lots of friends who play golf, not a single one is female. I've never had the pleasure of even meeting more than maybe 1 good female golfer while on the other hand, I've met tons of great male players.

 

Female golfers are just freakin' rare in this country. That makes finding an elite level female all the harder, which is a great shame.  

Edited June 2, 2021 by MelloYello

[PixlPutterman]

4 hours ago, MelloYello said:

Maybe there's just fewer (elite level) American women when it comes to golf? 

 

I have lots of friends who play golf, not a single one is female. I've never had the pleasure of even meeting more than maybe 1 good female golfer while on the other hand, I've met tons of great male players.

 

Female golfers are just freakin' rare in this country. That makes finding an elite level female all the harder, which is a great shame.  

I'm sure that's somewhat true, was just curious as to the why.

 

Seems to be culture driven mostly.

 

Any who, I'm looking forward to this week's LPGA event, should be great

[adl300]

i don't think it's the number of asian players on each tours.  it's the lack of winning percentage on the pga tour by the asian male or asian american male players.

 

i think the most successful asian golfer in recent memory is k.j choi. 

 

although i morikawa is already a major winner and one of the promising leading stars on tour.

[phizzy30]

On 6/2/2021 at 10:21 AM, MelloYello said:

Maybe there's just fewer (elite level) American women when it comes to golf? 

 

I have lots of friends who play golf, not a single one is female. I've never had the pleasure of even meeting more than maybe 1 good female golfer while on the other hand, I've met tons of great male players.

 

Female golfers are just freakin' rare in this country. That makes finding an elite level female all the harder, which is a great shame.  

Just gotta know where to look.  Plenty of female golfers here.  I have quite a few friends of mine I grew up with who have either played on the LPGA tour or are high level ams all of them being asian.  I live in the LA area where Koreans in general are golf crazy. 

[ctmason_98]

5 hours ago, adl300 said:

i don't think it's the number of asian players on each tours.  it's the lack of winning percentage on the pga tour by the asian male or asian american male players.

 

 

Of the top 100 in the Race to CME globe standings, 33 golfers play under the flag of what we would consider an "Asian country."  This of course excludes any Americans and others (Lydia Ko) that might be of Asian descent. 

 

Of the top 100 in the FedEx cup standings, 6 golfers play under the flag of what we would consider an "Asian country."  

 

If anything Asian players have a far higher winning percentage than their representation on the PGA tour would normally dictate. 

[Pepperturbo]

On 5/8/2021 at 8:47 AM, phizzy30 said:

My opinion only, but the talent pool on the PGA tour is a lot deeper than the LPGA tour.  I'm Korean myself and have asian friends that have either played or still currently play on the LPGA and mini tours.  Here's the thing.  There is a mandatory 2 years minimum in Korea anyways and in some asian countries for military service.  Look at Noh Seung Yul for example.  Kid has won on tour and has so much potential.  He was ordered to go back to Korea and do his time.  Same for Sang Moon Bae.  It really sucks for them because it took 2 years of their golf prime away.  The asian ladies don't have to worry about this.  They can spend a good portion of the time practicing and doing whatever they need to get to the highest levels of pro golf.  Also, the distance game isn't nearly as important on the ladies tour whereas in the men's tour it is.  Have you noticed that most asian golfers can't make the ball speed that their contemporaries can?  There are exceptions like Min Woo Lee, Kurt Kitiyama and Hideki, but those guys are unicorns.  Something to think about.......

I have Korean, Japanese and Malaysian, Israeli friends, many are women.  I agree with your talent pool observation but especially agree with the depth of talent and distance influence between LPGA vs. PGA, even Korn Ferry to Asian PGA Tour.  I've played with some damn good Asian men that, as you say, don't spin the ball much, and don't hit it nearly as far as they would need to make an impact playing in regional amateur events or mini tours.  They card par or better but don't make the ball dance.  Only one Japanese woman friend smacks the ball out there, she swings harder than most. 

 

However, I am not convinced those men that head back to their countries to complete military commitments, think it's a bad thing.  Like me, and some friends, we're boy scouts when it comes to patriotism.  Golf and our careers are great, but we would do anything, if called upon.  I am sure many Asians have the same patriotic love for country. 

 

One thing that's been bantered about for years; if you're struggling on the PGA Tour, head to European or Asian PGA tours, it's easier to win. 

[phizzy30]

11 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

I have Korean, Japanese and Malaysian, Israeli friends, many are women.  I agree with your talent pool observation but especially agree with the depth of talent and distance influence between LPGA vs. PGA, even Korn Ferry to Asian PGA Tour.  I've played with some damn good Asian men that, as you say, don't spin the ball much, and don't hit it nearly as far as they would need to make an impact playing in regional amateur events or mini tours.  They card par or better but don't make the ball dance.  Only one Japanese woman friend smacks the ball out there, she swings harder than most. 

 

However, I am not convinced those men that head back to their countries to complete military commitments, think it's a bad thing.  Like me, and some friends, we're boy scouts when it comes to patriotism.  Golf and our careers are great, but we would do anything, if called upon.  I am sure many Asians have the same patriotic love for country. 

 

One thing that's been bantered about for years; if you're struggling on the PGA Tour, head to European or Asian PGA tours, it's easier to win. 

Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with that last sentence.  The talent pool has increased exponentially on those tours.  Asian tours it's debatable, but there isn't much difference in talent especially on the Euro tour.  I would dare say that the difference is marginal at best these days. 

Edited June 4, 2021 by phizzy30

[phizzy30]

14 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

I have Korean, Japanese and Malaysian, Israeli friends, many are women.  I agree with your talent pool observation but especially agree with the depth of talent and distance influence between LPGA vs. PGA, even Korn Ferry to Asian PGA Tour.  I've played with some damn good Asian men that, as you say, don't spin the ball much, and don't hit it nearly as far as they would need to make an impact playing in regional amateur events or mini tours.  They card par or better but don't make the ball dance.  Only one Japanese woman friend smacks the ball out there, she swings harder than most. 

 

However, I am not convinced those men that head back to their countries to complete military commitments, think it's a bad thing.  Like me, and some friends, we're boy scouts when it comes to patriotism.  Golf and our careers are great, but we would do anything, if called upon.  I am sure many Asians have the same patriotic love for country. 

 

One thing that's been bantered about for years; if you're struggling on the PGA Tour, head to European or Asian PGA tours, it's easier to win. 

Btw, I have a cousin who served 2 years in the South Korean Army.  He absolutely hated it and was elated when his time was over with.  Our grandfather loved it.  Made a career out of it.  Worked his way up and eventually served as a 4 star general, then went on to become the Korean ambassador of Spain until he passed away. 

[Pepperturbo]

Just now, phizzy30 said:

Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with that sentence.  The talent pool has increased exponentially on those tours.  Asian tours it's debatable, but there isn't much difference in talent especially on the Euro tour.  I would dare say that the difference is marginal at best these days. 

That's fine, yet guys struggling today, still head to Europe or Asia for that very reason.  Some admit to it, others gloss it over.  Further, many of the Marquis Euro guys are buying homes stateside, to eliminate travel to Europe, so they can meet their PGA event requirement.

[Pepperturbo]

6 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Btw, I have a cousin who served 2 years in the South Korean Army.  He absolutely hated it and was elated when his time was over with.  Our grandfather loved it.  Made a career out of it.  Worked his way up and eventually served as a 4 star general, then went on to become the Korean ambassador of Spain until he passed away. 

That doesn't surprise me.  Youth today tends not to like their lives interrupted, especially with service. 

 

A lot of guys from different countries could get around that commitment, by renouncing and becoming a US citizen; yet, they won't take that step.  My point sometimes people say this or that is like hell, because that's what they think others want to hear.  Kinda reminds me of some buddy's back in the 60s when the Draft existed.  They acted like total dweebs.  Even though some were wounded in action, today, every one of them is proud as hell to have served. 

[mhdena]

On 6/4/2021 at 7:42 AM, phizzy30 said:

Just gotta know where to look.  Plenty of female golfers here.  I have quite a few friends of mine I grew up with who have either played on the LPGA tour or are high level ams all of them being asian.  I live in the LA area where Koreans in general are golf crazy. 

I've been on somewhat of  golf hiatus the past few years and was quite surprised to see so many Korean women at the range a couple of months ago, there were even lines waiting for a mat.

 

I go earlier to beat the crowd.

[MelloYello]

On 6/6/2021 at 10:21 PM, mhdena said:

I've been on somewhat of  golf hiatus the past few years and was quite surprised to see so many Korean women at the range a couple of months ago, there were even lines waiting for a mat.

 

I go earlier to beat the crowd.

 

Where the heck are you guys at? 

 

Here in the Southeast there are very few women who play. At clubs there is couples golf and always 1-2 developing high-school girls, sure, but I never come across any women who'd be "good," as in some women in her 20s or 30s who was a low single digit or scratch player. There are tons of guys in that bracket. And no Asian women whatsoever TBH. 

 

People are always talking about diversity being important and yet no one moves to the the dang Southeast! 🙂

Edited June 8, 2021 by MelloYello

[JungleJimbo]

25 minutes ago, MelloYello said:

Here in the Southeast there are very few women who play. At clubs there is couples golf and always 1-2 developing high-school girls, sure, but I never come across any women who'd be "good," as in some women in her 20s or 30s who was a low single digit or scratch player. There are tons of guys in that bracket. And no Asian women whatsoever TBH. 

 

People are always talking about diversity being important and yet no one moves to the the dang Southeast! 🙂

@MelloYelloI vaguely recall a recent YouTube video mentioning some Korean LPGA player(s) buying homes in SC (in addition to Lee Mi Hyang), but couldn’t remember who specifically 

 

(in addition to Texas, that’s seemingly another hotspot for Korean LPGA players eg Sei Young, So-Yeon, InGee, JinYoungKo)

 

http://www.golfbabes.club/2014/12/mi-hyang-lee-at-home-in-south-carolina.html#.YL91rS9GShA

[JungleJimbo]

On 5/9/2021 at 1:21 AM, Golf Dino said:

At present, many are observing that the Thai women are going to be the players to watch for the next decade as more and more junior players come through the ranks in Thai golf.  Virada Nirapathpongporn was playing on the LPGA in the early 2000s.  Also Thai-American Jenny Chuasiriporn is the other player who lost to Se Ri Pak in the playoff in her famous US Women's Open Championship that ignited women's golf in Korea.  

 

Thailand has great weather - hot perhaps, but they play year round there.  Great courses and a growing contingent of golf teachers and trainers.  And the men actually came to prominence first (relatively speaking) with Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradesh Aphibarnrat.  Of the people that I know who are following golf development in Thailand, many are saying that their development is reminiscent of Korean development post Se Ri.  

Thanks @Golf Dinofor the fascinating podcast interview covering Thailand 🇹🇭 golf with Pajaree & Pinyada (I didn’t see you post a Link to the podcast... so apologies if I’ve jumped the gun here!
I listened to your podcast today via Apple Podcasts...

p/s: The “episode web page” Link, from Apple podcasts to your page, seems to be a broken Link ie doesn’t  Link to your main podcast page nor the specific episode... not sure if fixable?)

 

https://www.worldofgolf.org/podcasts

 

💯 brownie points for the effort w.r.t. pronouncing Thai names!

 

@coops: Am guessing you might like this podcast too, given your previous kind explanation to me w.r.t. Thai LPGA & Thai culture/ nicknames? 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2021 by JungleJimbo

[Golf Dino]

46 minutes ago, JungleJimbo said:

Thanks @Golf Dinofor the fascinating podcast interview covering Thailand 🇹🇭 golf with Pajaree & Pinyada (I didn’t see you post a Link to the podcast... so apologies if I’ve jumped the gun here!

 

 

No problem.   The pronunciation of Pajaree's name is correct 😉 🙂 . . . that comes directly from her, but she has learned to live with the LPGA & Golf Channel pronunciations.   We're glad you like it.  We're hoping to have some more special guests in the not too distant future.

 

 

46 minutes ago, JungleJimbo said:

The “episode web page” Link, from Apple podcasts to your page, seems to be a broken Link ie doesn’t  Link to your main podcast page nor the specific episode...

 

Someone will check it and edit.  Here is the link to the main podcast page: 

https://bit.ly/Podcast-Shows

 

 

Or you can download it here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1354720/9507099-focus-on-thailand-the-revolution-continues.mp3?download=true

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2021 by Golf Dino

[Thayneil]

On 5/8/2021 at 10:47 PM, phizzy30 said:

My opinion only, but the talent pool on the PGA tour is a lot deeper than the LPGA tour.  I'm Korean myself and have asian friends that have either played or still currently play on the LPGA and mini tours.  Here's the thing.  There is a mandatory 2 years minimum in Korea anyways and in some asian countries for military service.  Look at Noh Seung Yul for example.  Kid has won on tour and has so much potential.  He was ordered to go back to Korea and do his time.  Same for Sang Moon Bae.  It really sucks for them because it took 2 years of their golf prime away.  The asian ladies don't have to worry about this.  They can spend a good portion of the time practicing and doing whatever they need to get to the highest levels of pro golf.  Also, the distance game isn't nearly as important on the ladies tour whereas in the men's tour it is.  Have you noticed that most asian golfers can't make the ball speed that their contemporaries can?  There are exceptions like Min Woo Lee, Kurt Kitiyama and Hideki, but those guys are unicorns.  Something to think about.......

Lot of 300 yard guys on Asian Tour maybe not 340 but competitive distance.Gavin Green a Malaysian hits it as far as anybody Bryson excluded

[Haroputt]

Funny. I was watching MLB this summer and my wife who doesn’t watch much sports ask me why there were so many Latino players  with Spanish names   
I didn’t really have an answer. 
Guess in some countries it’s their sport 

[phizzy30]

On 11/25/2021 at 11:32 PM, Thayneil said:

Lot of 300 yard guys on Asian Tour maybe not 340 but competitive distance.Gavin Green a Malaysian hits it as far as anybody Bryson excluded

He's one of the unicorns.  I've seen him a few Sun Shine and Asian tour events throughout the year and he has a lot of speed through the hitting zone.  It's one thing to be able to hit it 300 yards, it's another to average 300+yards off the tee. 

[Thayneil]

8 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

He's one of the unicorns.  I've seen him a few Sun Shine and Asian tour events throughout the year and he has a lot of speed through the hitting zone.  It's one thing to be able to hit it 300 yards, it's another to average 300+yards off the tee. 

He can hit it 320 plus but hits it very high.I watched him in Thailand and he made no effort to lower his ball flight.Cost him into the strong breeze off the ocean.