LPGA ShopRite Classic Threatening Lawsuit Over Date Change

ShopRite Classic Exec Dir Ruth Harrison is “not pleased that the LPGA wants her to switch dates next year,” and “if the conflict isn’t resolved to her satisfaction, she might be forced to take legal action,” according to Mike Kern of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Harrison said, “I would hope it doesn’t get to (a lawsuit). But we’re going to do what we have to do. We’ve been good ambassadors of the LPGA for a long time. I don’t want to see our event harmed.” The LPGA has offered several dates from April through September, but Harrison is “convinced none of them would work nearly as well, for a number of reasons.” Harrison said that she has a letter from former LPGA VP/Tournament Affairs Rob Neal, which was copied to former Commissioner Ty Votaw and current Commissioner Carolyn Bivens, stating that the tournament would remain the first weekend of June through ’08. However, Harrison said Bivens “wants to put a new event (in that date). It seems like she doesn’t care about events that have been there. We feel we have a binding letter” (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/14).

Bivens Says That Criticism Comes With The Territory

BACKING BIVENS: In Toronto, Michael Grange writes Bivens sees next month’s CN Canadian Women’s Open, which has a “healthy purse” of US$1.7M, as well as a “sturdy sponsor and operational expertise from the” Royal Canadian Golf Association, “as a model she would like to see imitated.” Bivens said that the event will be “moving to a more favourable date two weeks following the Weetabix Women’s British Open, rather than the week immediately after, which is the case this year.” RCGA Exec Dir Stephen Ross said of recent criticism of Bivens, “I think what she’s trying to do is change the business model and along the way there are going to be some individuals –- owners, franchises, players maybe –- who aren’t going to see eye-to-eye.” But Ross added, “You judge based on results, and TV ratings are up, purses are starting to increase. That doesn’t come easily and early indications are the results are good.” Bivens said that “the challenges and criticism are part of the territory.” Bivens: “When you have 11 tournament contracts up for renewal, you don’t really choose the pace. I’m not apologetic about that” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 7/14).

ACT YOUR AGE: Bivens said that the LPGA BOD later this year will “take up the issue of age requirements.” In Toronto, Jim Byers notes players have to be 18 to join the tour, “although younger golfers can petition ... for earlier admission.” Bivens said, “I don’t believe it’s just technical capability that makes one ready for life on the tour. My biggest concern is ... that whatever we do, that we keep these young stars for as long as possible” (TORONTO STAR, 7/14).