Ever since Mike Whan "charged into the commissioner's office at full speed" in '09, the LPGA and women's game of golf "hasn't been the same since," according to a profile by Steve Eubanks of GLOBAL GOLF POST. LPGA events have grown in number by 28%, with a 40% "increase in purses." Brand recognition and sponsor interest have "exploded, as has enthusiasm among the general public." LPGA Gallery stores are "popping up throughout Asia and developers have approached Whan about licensing the LPGA International name for golf courses." Whan: "As we've filled the schedule, purses have gone up without me trying." Eubanks notes having teenagers such as Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson battling with 20-year-old Ariya Jutanugarn has been a "godsend for a tour that needs marketable stars." But Whan's role "should not be underestimated." Whether it is "wearing a cheesehead to promote an event in Wisconsin or donning a kimono and banging the lid of a sake barrel with a wooden mallet with the CEO of ANA in a traditional Japanese ceremony," Whan is "always an enthusiastic participant." Events such as the Founders Cup and the UL Int'l Crown, which "exceeded all expectations in only its first two playings, exist because of Whan's force of will." Whan would also like to "expand the developmental brand beyond the Symetra Tour." Sources said that "could result in absorbing the Ladies European Tour into the LPGA" (GLOBAL GOLF POST, 11/14 issue).
SCHEDULING ISSUES: ESPN.com conducted a golf writer's roundtable, and Jonathan Coachman said incoming PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan "needs to address the wrap-around season." Coachman: "An eight-month season is long enough." Michael Collins said Monahan needs to "clean up (settle) the lawsuits (Vijay Singh and the caddies) and come up with a schedule that allows the PGA Tour to grow globally but gives every tournament a chance to at some point have the 'star attractions' play in their events." Bob Harig said, "His likely immediate concern is the extension of the FedEx Cup playoff system." Jason Sobel said, "The tour doesn't need any major reconstruction, but I do think the incoming commissioner will look to tighten up the schedule" (ESPN.com, 11/15).
