LPGA Requiring Int'l Players To Pass English Proficiency In '09
On the LPGA Tour, "learning English no longer is a tour suggestion; it's a requirement," according to Beth Ann Baldry of GOLFWEEK. At a "mandatory South Korean player meeting Aug. 20 at the Safeway Classic, the tour informed its largest international contingent that beginning in 2009, all players who have been on tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills." Failure to do so will result in a "suspended membership." LPGA Deputy Commissioner Libba Galloway said that the policy "takes effect immediately, but the 'measurement time will be at the end of 2009.'" There are 121 int'l players from 26 countries on Tour and 45 are South Korean. LPGA Tour Exec Committee President Hilary Lunke said that "much of this initiative stems from the importance of being able to entertain pro-am partners." The Tour "told its membership several years ago to expect an English evaluation but didn't stipulate any penalties." Baldry: "Every Korean Tour player who spoke with Golfweek here was under the impression she would lose her tour card if she failed the test rather than face suspension." The Tour "aims to issue a statement to its membership by the end of the season." Korean player Se Ri Pak said, "When you win, you should give your speech in English. ... Mostly what comes out is nerves. Totally different language in front of camera. You're excited and not thinking in English." Brazilian-born Korean-American player Angela Park said, "The LPGA could come out and say they only want 10 Koreans, but they're not. A lot of Korean players think they are being targeted, but it's just because there are so many of them." The Tour will "rely on its communication staff to help identify players who need to be evaluated." Int'l players who "already demonstrate English proficiency will not be approached" (GOLFWEEK.com, 8/25).
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