LPGA Revises Controversial Media Credential Policy

Bivens Not Worried About Recent Executive Changes

The LPGA has revised its media credential policy, “seemingly putting an end to controversy that had marred the beginning of the season,” according to GOLFWEEK. Several media outlets were denied credentials at the season-opening event in Hawaii because they refused to agree to the policy, which included language that the LPGA said was “meant to control the widespread, unauthorized use of images of LPGA players.” The LPGA “added a sentence to the questionable paragraph that states ‘all grants of rights made pursuant to this paragraph shall only become effective upon the separate agreement of the owners of such rights.’” The LPGA said that it has “showed the new language to several media outlets and all are in agreement with the new edicts” (GOLFWEEK, 3/18 issue).

BIVENS: In Phoenix, John Davis writes LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens’ transition into the position “hasn’t exactly been smooth to this point. Several top executives have resigned, new media regulations that caused an uproar still haven’t been signed by [Golf Digest Cos.], and players and fans alike have scoffed at the new women’s world rankings.” The AP agreed to sign the LPGA’s media policy after two revisions, but Golf Digest, which publishes Golf World and Golf For Women, refused. Also, after four execs resigned in the past six months, Bivens said, “That often is what an organization does from one administration to another and from one stage to another” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 3/16).