Heading Into Open, Will Women's Golf Benefit From Tiger's Layoff?
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Sorenstam Sees No Link Between Tiger's
Absence From PGA Tour And LPGA Prospects |
The 63rd U.S. Women's Open today tees off from Interlachen CC in Edina, Minnesota, and following PGA Tour member Tiger Woods' season-ending surgery, the LPGA is "well-positioned to soak up the sun," according to Dan O'Neill of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. However, the "idea that media outlets might funnel monies earmarked for covering Woods toward covering the women is a leap." Washington Post golf writer Leonard Shapiro said of Woods' absence meaning expanded LPGA coverage, "Not a chance in hell. ... But there are very compelling stories out here, including (Annika) Sorenstam's last year, (Lorena) Ochoa becoming the Tiger of her own tour and Michelle Wie mounting a comeback from her disastrous 2007." O'Neill reports the USGA for this week's tournament issued 409 media credentials, just nine more than for last year's event, but the Women's Open is a "poor place to sample the influence of Woods' announcement." The tournament is an "annual highlight on the LPGA schedule, a star-studded, well-attended major that perks interest from even casual golf fans." Sorenstam "sees no correlation between Woods' circumstances and LPGA prospects." Sorenstam: "We don't compete against Tiger by any means." However, Ochoa suggested that "there is a window of opportunity opened by Woods' down time." Ochoa believes that there will be a "television audience spillover from which the women might benefit." If the "curious become satisfied customers, they are likely to become repeat customers" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/26).
FEELING EFFECTS ON PGA TOUR: In S.F., Ron Kroichick writes PGA Tour officials "need [Rocco] Mediate's sudden fame and popularity as the reality begins to sink in -- no Tiger Woods for the rest of the year." It is "fair to say the tour wouldn't mind Mediate maneuvering into contention this weekend" at the Buick Open at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan. While Mediate, who finished second to Woods two weeks ago at the U.S. Open, presently "counts as an ideal substitute," there is "usually a shelf life for the charming underdog." Mediate "cannot sustain interest in the tour for the next several months," and Phil Mickelson "probably can't do that, either" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/26).
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