Shin's win not what the LPGA needed

[nofeargolf]

With key network coverage for the weekend, the last thing the LPGA needed was a Sunday leaderboard with names such as Shin, Fudoh, and Hee-Ji.

 

I'm certain these women are all very fine players and I applaud their effort. However, a leaderboard filled with unknowns was not what women's golf needed. The network did all it could to showcase Gulbis, Kerr, Creamer, Ochoa, and Sorenstam, but they weren't in contention.

 

I'm a huge LPGA fan, but it's a real issue when the winner of a major wears sponsor logos spelled in Korean. There's a tough road ahead with schedules given the economy, and this won't help sell sponsors.

 

Am I alone in my concern?

[kitsoasis]

conversely, if relatively unknown Korean players are successful on the LPGA Tour

it could spark an interest in Korea and would that be able to attract Korean sponsors for the LPGA no?

I guess it works both ways

[JeffreySpicoli]

Doctor, we've someone with a severe case of xenophobia!

[nofeargolf]

Regardless of who plays where, the vast majority of money comes from U.S. sponsors. Those sponsors want ratings, and unknown Asians don't deliver them.

 

That's not xenophobia, that's economic fact.

[JeffreySpicoli]

Regardless of who plays where, the vast majority of money comes from U.S. sponsors. Those sponsors want ratings, and unknown Asians don't deliver them.

 

That's not xenophobia, that's economic fact.

 

Attempting to justify discrimination with "economic fact" is an old ploy. And just plain sad.

[alcap26]

Where did he saying anything about discrimination. He applauded their efforts and never said they should not be playing. He just stated that for the American market the winners being unknown Asian players might not be good for it. That my friend is not discrimination and you are political correctness run amuk.

 

Where is the LPGA tour centered? I know this was the women's british but without the LPGA giving it major backing like it did about 8 years ago we would just be reading about it as a blip in the newspaper. The LPGA is centered in America and American viewership is down...the ratings show it and the fact is that when an American is not winning then it turns the majority of the Americans off. As of 2006 the Asian population in the USA is only 4.4% and the Caucasian is 74%. If like said above leads to more Korean sponsorship or sponsors a majority of the golf viewing population cannot read or know nothing about then the LPGA is going to continue to struggle.

 

And since you throw out xenophobia...where does it state a fear or dislike of foreign people? I do not think there has been a post in this thread that said someone was afraid or disliked any of the Asian players. Better pick another buzz word sparky.

 

Next time you want to use xenophobia correctly use this link:

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/xenophobia

[ZBigStick]

Let's not get all self righteous here. Lighten up.

 

There are plenty of American fans of non-American players. Se-Ri Pak (Korea) was very popular and good for the game, Lorena Ochoa (Mexico), Annika Sorenstam (Sweden), Ai Miyazato (Japan) all create interest in the LPGA.

 

An unknown is an unknown.

 

What did Todd Hamilton do for men's professional golf with his Open Championship victory?

 

Perhaps you are the #1 fan of Ji-Yia Shinn?

[JeffreySpicoli]

Better pick another buzz word sparky.

 

Better find someone else to defend, Russy. You really think someone has to declare themselves xenophobic to be xenophobic? Discrimination is always hidden behind "good intentions."

 

The OP's logic is that "no-names" are bad for the tour. By that logic, anyone that hasn't won before or that isn't well-known should be disbarred from playing. But why pick on the Koreans? Are Koreans the only "no-names" to win on the LPGA?

 

And your claim about "where the LPGA is centered" is plain silly. Are you arguing that Asian players shouldn't be allowed to win on the LPGA? You're displaying xenophobia yourself.

 

Again, flat-out disgusting that you'd stoop to argue anything like what you're arguing.

[KevCarter]

With key network coverage for the weekend, the last thing the LPGA needed was a Sunday leaderboard with names such as Shin, Fudoh, and Hee-Ji.

 

I'm certain these women are all very fine players and I applaud their effort. However, a leaderboard filled with unknowns was not what women's golf needed. The network did all it could to showcase Gulbis, Kerr, Creamer, Ochoa, and Sorenstam, but they weren't in contention.

 

I'm a huge LPGA fan, but it's a real issue when the winner of a major wears sponsor logos spelled in Korean. There's a tough road ahead with schedules given the economy, and this won't help sell sponsors.

 

Am I alone in my concern?

 

Do you want an opinion that is kind of out there?

 

Unfortunately, i agree with you. Tough on ratings when we don't know the players. However, could it be turned into a positive?

 

I look at the leaderboard, and over 10 of the top 20 are Asian. Let's turn that into a positive for we Americans who don't recognize the names. I love to see new people, as well as underdogs win events. Perhaps the LPGA just needs to do a better job educating us as to why the Asians are so prevalent, such wonderful players, and give us some personal backgrounds. Help us get to know them How about the LPGA sponsoring a special on TGC about the Asian domination?

 

I am fascinated by the Asian performance on the LPGA. These women are VERY impressive. Please help us learn more about their training and their lives in general!

 

Kevin

[JeffreySpicoli]

Next time you want to use xenophobia correctly use this link:

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/xenophobia

 

I've used the term correctly to describe both the OP's first post and your post.

[MrParr1Noid]

I ask that all here be mindful of what's being discussed...And I also ask that this discussion not be reduced to personal attacks.

 

Discuss on but use your better judgment...And follow our rules of engagement.

 

TY

[funkyfedora]

35% of the feild after the cut were asian... They are good. But it is nice to see well known names instead of these 18 19 and 20 year olds... jmho

[KevCarter]

Here's a newsflash: competition is about the best player winning. NOT about your favorite players winning. Talk about sense of entitlement. Next thing you know people will be demanding that the Koreans give up strokes to the rest of the field. THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE SITUATION.

 

That is unless you are OK with fixing the competition to favor non-Asians.

 

...and what ideas do you have for educating those who don't understand what is going on? You are absolutely correct, it's all about the best player winning, but it's also about ratings for the tour to survive. Too bad, but that's life...

 

Kevin

[pickerjohn]

I am a big LPGA fan, and also a very positive type person.

I like the good qualities I've seen shown by most all players

on the LPGA Tour. When I go to an event, I watch every player in

hopes of learning something myself and absolutely marvel at the

concentration level of the Asian players and wish I could encompass

that into my game. I marvel at Susan Pettersen, Lorena Ochoa, Maria

Hjorth and others for their power, and wish that was available to me.

Most of all I see out there a great big wonderful opportunity that

I hope grows stronger each year. Its a great product. If you haven't

seen an LPGA event, I highly reccommend it to you.

[MrParr1Noid]

Here's a newsflash: competition is about the best player winning. NOT about your favorite players winning. Talk about sense of entitlement. Next thing you know people will be demanding that the Koreans give up strokes to the rest of the field. THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE SITUATION.

 

That is unless you are OK with fixing the competition to favor non-Asians.

 

And I disagree with your statement "there's nothing that can be done about the situation". How about other competitors from the LPGA re dedicating themselves to the game of golf, and to do what it takes to compete at those levels. aka "to git auff yer ded buuts" and work on your game, both the physical and mental side...oh, and learn how to putt while you're at it.

 

I wish all the golf networks would show good shots of all the players and not just the few. JAT

 

Our media coverage is mostly to blame here, they have done little or nothing to acquaint our viewers with many of the top players in the world. The news and entertainment industry are the ones profiting from all this...LET THEM GET OFF THEIR DEAD BUTTS and do their job properly.

 

Ooops, Almost fell off my soap box here. :russian_roulette:

 

ty

[KevCarter]

Here's a newsflash: competition is about the best player winning. NOT about your favorite players winning. Talk about sense of entitlement. Next thing you know people will be demanding that the Koreans give up strokes to the rest of the field. THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE SITUATION.

 

That is unless you are OK with fixing the competition to favor non-Asians.

 

...and what ideas do you have for educating those who don't understand what is going on? You are absolutely correct, it's all about the best player winning, but it's also about ratings for the tour to survive. Too bad, but that's life...

 

Kevin

 

... Why it's happening god only knows, but just goes to show that there's a huge world outside of the western English-speaking world.

 

That's for sure!!!

 

Kevin

[JeffreySpicoli]

...and what ideas do you have for educating those who don't understand what is going on? You are absolutely correct, it's all about the best player winning, but it's also about ratings for the tour to survive. Too bad, but that's life...

 

Kevin

 

In the context of your question, I'd pose another question . . .

 

What is the LPGA going to do in order to continue to have a viable brand? (Hint: Innovate or die.)

 

The problem isn't Asian "no-name" players on the Tour. The problem is that the Tour hasn't figured out how to fully leverage this new talent.

 

Yahoo Sports posted a recent interview with Carol Mann on 24 July. Here's a section that's relevant to this discussion:

 

Question: Another debate topic is the Korean influence on tour. Do you see the rise of the Koreans as good or bad?

 

Mann: Both. It’s been a negative thing because America wasn’t quite ready for this. Television audiences weren’t ready, the media wasn’t quite ready, and many of the Korean players weren’t ready. A lot of media training in English was needed, and that’s occurred. A lot of changes have occurred. The American public is embracing them more, and the ratings are improving when Koreans are leading. And the media has embraced them. Everybody has had to work harder, including the Korean players and their families.

 

Question: The trend in recent years has been toward making the LPGA more international with events in Korea, Mexico and future events in China. What does that do to the brand?

 

Mann: I am going to go with Commissioner Bivens: The LPGA is going where the action is. The LPGA is more popular than the men in Japan and Korea, and there are big television rights packages in those markets. It’s pure business, and right now it makes sense.

 

Question: Yes, the biggest revenue source for the LPGA is Asian television rights, but the No. 1 draw in terms of recognition and sponsorship dollars is Paula Creamer, the wholesome American with the pretty smile and pink outfits. What does that say about where the tour is in terms of its positioning?

 

Mann: Paula is doing all the right things for her and for women’s golf in general and for the LPGA. She is an ideal example of turning yourself into a brand. And she is smart, along with being pretty, rich and talented. That’s a good combination.

 

Yahoo Sports: A Chat with Carol

[KevCarter]

...and what ideas do you have for educating those who don't understand what is going on? You are absolutely correct, it's all about the best player winning, but it's also about ratings for the tour to survive. Too bad, but that's life...

 

Kevin

 

In the context of your question, I'd pose another question . . .

 

What is the LPGA going to do in order to continue to have a viable brand? (Hint: Innovate or die.)

 

The problem isn't Asian "no-name" players on the Tour. The problem is that the Tour hasn't figured out how to fully leverage this new talent.

 

Yahoo Sports posted a recent interview with Carol Mann on 24 July. Here's a section that's relevant to this discussion:

 

Question: Another debate topic is the Korean influence on tour. Do you see the rise of the Koreans as good or bad?

 

Mann: Both. It’s been a negative thing because America wasn’t quite ready for this. Television audiences weren’t ready, the media wasn’t quite ready, and many of the Korean players weren’t ready. A lot of media training in English was needed, and that’s occurred. A lot of changes have occurred. The American public is embracing them more, and the ratings are improving when Koreans are leading. And the media has embraced them. Everybody has had to work harder, including the Korean players and their families.

 

Question: The trend in recent years has been toward making the LPGA more international with events in Korea, Mexico and future events in China. What does that do to the brand?

 

Mann: I am going to go with Commissioner Bivens: The LPGA is going where the action is. The LPGA is more popular than the men in Japan and Korea, and there are big television rights packages in those markets. It’s pure business, and right now it makes sense.

 

Question: Yes, the biggest revenue source for the LPGA is Asian television rights, but the No. 1 draw in terms of recognition and sponsorship dollars is Paula Creamer, the wholesome American with the pretty smile and pink outfits. What does that say about where the tour is in terms of its positioning?

 

Mann: Paula is doing all the right things for her and for women’s golf in general and for the LPGA. She is an ideal example of turning yourself into a brand. And she is smart, along with being pretty, rich and talented. That’s a good combination.

 

Yahoo Sports: A Chat with Carol

 

I had not seen that interview, and find it very interesting for many reasons. Thank you for posting!

 

Kevin

[stage1350]

This is pretty much the same argument when Tiger wasn't in contention during a tournament. The leader may not be a big name, so they would show Tiger, even if he was completely out of the tournament.

 

I think the media is to blame for this. While I enjoy watching Ochoa, Sorenstam, and Creamer play, I want to watch the leader as well, even if they aren't a household name.

[tbowles411]

I'm OK with the Asian players. They pays their money and are talented and can play. I love good golf, but I can understand someone who sees the Top 10 all "non-U.S. Americans" and the names you're used to seeing like LoCho, Annika and Gustafson, it can be disconcerting. Personally, it just took me by surprise that they were so deep and almost swept the Top 10.

[Baller]

With key network coverage for the weekend, the last thing the LPGA needed was a Sunday leaderboard with names such as Shin, Fudoh, and Hee-Ji.

 

I'm certain these women are all very fine players and I applaud their effort. However, a leaderboard filled with unknowns was not what women's golf needed. The network did all it could to showcase Gulbis, Kerr, Creamer, Ochoa, and Sorenstam, but they weren't in contention.

 

I'm a huge LPGA fan, but it's a real issue when the winner of a major wears sponsor logos spelled in Korean. There's a tough road ahead with schedules given the economy, and this won't help sell sponsors.

 

Am I alone in my concern?

 

Maybe we should stop pampering the US home grown pro's and start making them earn it! Paula Creamer, Gulbis, Wie, and Little Ping Man's woman are all rich and were rich before even earning 1 dollar out on the tour. They got paid on potenial from sponsors. On the LPGA, you are still looking at potenial for American Golfers ( the young ones). We are so hungry for a winner, the sponsors, and public can't even wait until the developement stage of these girls have been completed. They need to earn what they have. You don't think Tiger and his family had to fight away millions of dollars in sponsorships before he turned pro. They just said no. They looked at the big picture first and now well you know the story. The "other" girls have to come to the LPGA to get paid. Then the sponsors kick in and hand out the big bucks. The come over here to honor the families. These Korean women come over here hungry to win, so they practice and practice and practice. Meanwhile, Gulbis does her oh look at me, i am pretty, a fashion model, come shop with me on the Riveria show.

[nofeargolf]

Since I started this thing, let me make it clear that I fully support the Korean players and their role in the LPGA.

 

For example, I'm a huge Jeong Jang fan. I remember that when she won in Rochester a year or two ago, she left the tournament to visit a Korean War memorial and made a $25,000 donation. It got little press, but it made a very positive impression on me. This is just one demonstration of the appreciation that Korean players have for their opportunities here.

 

That said, here's the economic reality. The LPGA could lose 4 to 5 tournaments next year (Arkansas, Tulsa, Charleston, Rochester are all in trouble). Sponsors, faced with their own economic challenges, are looking for ratings. Let's hope the LPGA comes up with a way to create them, because they didn't get them with two hours of network coverage of a women's major yesterday.

[SheriffBooth]

It's not an issue that Shin was wearing a hat with a Korean logo. She's plays on the Korean ladies tour so of course her sponsors want her to wear Korean logos.

 

The LPGA needs to worry about its events becoming too boring. I remember the Se Ri Pak/Jenny Chuasiriporn US Open as being very compelling, even though it was an unknown Korean pro and an unknown amateur from Duke.

 

And the American audience doesn't necessarily need American born players to tune in. But they do need compelling stories or marketable players. Would the PGA tour be as popular if its top players were Scott Verplank, Woody Austin, Robert Allenby and Richard Finch? Of course not - men's golf needs the Adam Scotts and Sergio Garcias and Justin Roses, as well as the characters like M.A. Jimenez and Boo Weekley and Ian Poulter.

 

It's just coincidence that the top names have recently been Koreans or other Asians. The LPGA would have the same problem if it were Karen Stupples and Sophie Gustafson and Brandie Burton at the top of the leaderboard every week.

[Feddyvon]

The LPGA has a problem connecting with the casual fan as much as any of the other professional women's sports leagues. It's a sad comment on today's society. Unless they dominate their sport individually (William's Sisters, Annika), or are attractive by American standards (Anna K, Sheripova, Gulbis), they are overlooked by sponsors and the media. The LPGA needs to recognize that the future of their sport is going to built around these international stars, and they need to educate us as to why this is happening, and why we should take notice. The LPGA needs to meet with all of the media covering their events, and DEMAND that coverage be based on on-course results, not based on the popularity contests.

 

As sad as it is to say, the LPGA will never be a major force on the US Sports economy, so they need to take advantage of these foreign players in the overseas markets, where they can make a larger impact. There's one thing that has been proven time and time again and that is the Asian public and media take a great deal of pride in their athletes competing in the global sports scene, especially against the Americans. Look at the circus that follows Yeo Ming and Ichiro throughout the entire season. On the other hand, Americans love to rally around a good "They Overcame So Much to Get Here" story, so tell us some of the stories of these Asian athletes. Let us get to know them, instead of pusing every pretty blonde on tour down our throat.

 

This may be blasphemy, but Gulbis really ain't that great. The competition just isn't that stiff.

[JeffreySpicoli]

That said, here's the economic reality. The LPGA could lose 4 to 5 tournaments next year (Arkansas, Tulsa, Charleston, Rochester are all in trouble). Sponsors, faced with their own economic challenges, are looking for ratings. Let's hope the LPGA comes up with a way to create them, because they didn't get them with two hours of network coverage of a women's major yesterday.

 

You keep talking about economic reality but you're providing a very limited view of the situation by focusing solely on sponsorship.

 

Revenue must be considered as an important aspect of the LPGA's financial picture. Why do you fail to note the largest revenue source for the LPGA? (And I bet that this revenue source is also very profitable.)

[JeffreySpicoli]

Concerning economic "reality" . . .

 

This recent (28 July) Golfweek article notes that Ginn Resorts, SemGroup, & Fields may withdraw their sponsorships for 2009.

 

Golfweek: LPGA may lose event sponsors

 

Now the OP is trying to link losing sponsors to "no-name" Asian winners.

 

The reality is that two of those three sponsors are struggling financially. There's no indication that they'd continue to sponsor the LPGA in 2009 even if Paula Creamer won every remaining tournament.

 

Here's the economic reality for Ginn Resort & SemGroup:

 

Ginn resorts facing foreclosure

Creditors question whether fraud sank SemGroup

 

Sure, the LPGA may lose some sponsors for 2009 but let's not try to make a correlation that isn't there. In other words, don't blame the Koreans for lost sponsorships.

[Eddie]

I'm not really buying the argument made for two reasons.

 

1) The idea that non-American winners could be a cause for economic troubles for the tour. Current LPGA queen Ochoa, from Mexico, the previous queen, Annika from Sweeden. I would say Annika's prime was a time of notoriety in women's golf, but alas neither of them are "Americans." The last dominant player American on the LPGA, Juli Inkster? Did she help incur economic growth for the tour? I'm no golf economist, but I would doubt it. Nancy Lopez? Arguably the greatest golfer in modern times, and I will defer to someone who has solid numbers to verify or refute this, but I will contend that the tour did not experience substantial economic growth due to her success. The point is how one can correlate an American LPGA golfer with financial growth seems a stretch to me.

 

2) Tiger Woods completely changed the game of golf for multiple reasons. Some can argue skin color or ethnic background, some can argue pure talent. Regardless, very seldom has the media portrayed Tiger as an "American Hero" or as the American who came and changed the game. To that end however, Tiger has done things considered patriotic, like the AT&T National, which could be argued as a salute to the armed forces and to his father's work. However, regardless of to what extent his "American" nature factors into it, he was also a star because he 1) is dominant, 2) a dynamic golfing personality, and 3) can do things with a golf club that mere mortals couldn't begin to try.

 

Both of these points bring me to this.

 

I would contend that the LPGA will continue to grow as competition gets fiercer and the ascension of a dominant focal figure. In current day, it seems that Ochoa or Creamer seem prime candidates due to their talent to do so.

 

So a relative unknown Korean player wins a major championship, I would say that it is not what the LPGA needed, but her to win a couple more and become a standout amongst the many Korean players.

 

What does having multiple winners do? It does not solve the problem, as a top star which I think regardless of race is key, but does allow for economic growth in the LPGA. Why?

 

For the couple of tournaments that may lose sponsorship, companies from Korea like Samsung and LG will step in and sponsor. Where is the loss there?

 

Furthermore, by having a deeper talent pool of top-tier players and major winners allows will eventually command larger purses. But, even moreso, these strong players can be interchangable to allow consistently competitive fields, as there are more who can fill in for others.

 

Just some thoughts, no need to flame. I think like with any discussion where race is even mentioned, people get a little too sensitive and read too far into possibly thin-veiled racial judgments (which is another rant on its own, as I feel people who lack a set to be open about those view points and use subvertive methods to convey them don't merit the time of general society, but another soapbox.)

 

btw, I'm korean, not that it matters. O.O

 

The issue with a non-American logo being used at an American tournament is laughable. Should Callaway change their logo to "el callaway" for tournaments in Spain?

 

Sorry for taking up so much bandwidth.

[Eddie]

I'll also disagree with the original premise about economics.

 

If you are saying that due to the economic climate in this country, that because American companies are in danger and under economic stress, that they need an American player to find value in sponsoring, I would contend that logic to be backwards.

 

In actuality, I would argue that growth of international stars would be even MORE important to encourage international companies not under the economic stress you articulate need to be more compelled to sponsor the events left abandoned by American companies.

 

Since you throw around "economic fact" very well, tell me this, what is more important.

 

1) Financially distressed and failing American companies already pulling out of tournaments due to money constraints, who find a star American golfer as justification in an uphill climb to sponsor a tournament?

 

2) International companies that are growing who look for various ways to contribute FDI in America and help grow our economy to see growing international stars as an added incentive to sponsor American tournaments?

 

I say 2 is more important because it provides added incentive for a company with aspirations to enter that market, whereas in the situation in #1, unfortunately, no star short of Tiger Woods could overcome a poor economic climate to get a company to sponsor.

 

SBS, Samsung, China Air, Mizuno, Sema Sports, and Evian are all foreign companies that have sponsored tournaments with purses in excess of 1.4 million, the Grand China over 2, and the Evian at 3.25, what would happen if 7 of the events lost their international sponsors?

[theothertwo]

With key network coverage for the weekend, the last thing the LPGA needed was a Sunday leaderboard with names such as Shin, Fudoh, and Hee-Ji.

 

I'm certain these women are all very fine players and I applaud their effort. However, a leaderboard filled with unknowns was not what women's golf needed. The network did all it could to showcase Gulbis, Kerr, Creamer, Ochoa, and Sorenstam, but they weren't in contention.

 

I'm a huge LPGA fan, but it's a real issue when the winner of a major wears sponsor logos spelled in Korean. There's a tough road ahead with schedules given the economy, and this won't help sell sponsors.

 

Am I alone in my concern?

 

 

You never know, this might be the start of something big for those unknown players yesterday. Everybody has to start somehwere. The fact is that those unknown players wearing Korean logos beat all the big names yesterday and I think it's great.

[DLiver]

The problem isn't that they're asian, the problem is that they're unknown. Any golf tour on earth would cringe to have a leaderboard full of names no one knows--regardless of what country they're from.