Marty Evans Brings Steadying Hand To LPGA During Rocky Year

Evans Took Over Reigns  At LPGA In July

The LPGA has made "considerable progress" under acting Commissioner Marty Evans, whose "'team-first' management style and flexibility in working with sponsors during a recession has resulted in the hopes of locking in as many as 25 events" for next season, according to Garry Smits of the FLORIDA TIMES-UNION. The tour had just 16 tournaments secured for '10 when Evans replaced Carolyn Bivens in July, but the LPGA has renewed three tournament sponsorships in the past month alone, although A-B did decide not to renew its sponsorship of the Michelob Ultra Open. A tournament owner described the LPGA's management style under Evans as a "completely different dialogue with a completely different group of people." Evans: "What I've mainly learned is just how hard the recession has hit businesses, not only title sponsors but the second- and third-tier sponsors, the auto dealer who provides (courtesy) cars and the printer who provides programs" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 9/22). In California, Curtis Pashelka noted after the "tumultuous start to the 2009 season" for the tour, Evans has "tried to stabilize the LPGA and give its golfers some room for optimism going into next season and beyond." Evans: "It's been a little crazy, but I think we've made a lot of progress." Golfer Juli Inkster said, "Marty has had a very calming influence. She's kind of come in and really calmed the waters. She's talked to tournament sponsors, talked to the media" (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, 9/20).

HELLO, MY NAME IS... In San Diego, Tod Leonard writes if "you want accessibility in your pro golfers, the LPGA Tour is where you can find it." Golfers at this past weekend's Samsung World Championship at Torrey Pines "signed autographs and posed for pictures going from the putting green and driving range to the first tee," which is "never seen" at PGA Tour events. Leonard: "I have come to believe that women are generally better at interacting with reporters and fans. But it is a demeanor that no doubt also comes from being the constant underdog in the battle for media, fan and sponsor interest. ... It's too bad the women don't get more recognition while making 20[%] of what the men do. But that is the reality in a tough economy and with a TV contract that doesn't make them money" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/22).

FULL EXPOSURE: Three LPGA players are posing nude for ESPN The Magazine's upcoming "Bodies" issue. When asked her feelings about that, Evans said, "Have you asked David Stern about one of his players doing the same thing? We encourage our players to market themselves in ways they feel are appropriate. We weren't consulted but frankly, if it's tastefully done -- and I'm told it was -- I don't have a problem" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 9/22).