Golf is in fine shape
by Easingwold on Apr 12, 2011 9:36 AM EDT
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High drama in sports keeps fans watching. There are many examples in sports, I'll name a few from my own memories.
Basketball. Havlicek stealing the ball...West sinking that 63 footer against New York to send the game into overtime...the Lakers 33 game win streak. Showtime Lakers and Micheal Jordan.
Olympics/atheletics..Mark Spitz winning all 7 golds in '72...Ben Johnson's DQ after the drug test...Coe and Ovett taking turns breaking the mile record.
Football. Aresenal scoring in the last minute to deny Liverpool..Man Utd scoring twice in the last minute to win the European Cup. Liverpool doing the same to tear the FA cup from Arsenal.
Tennis. Mckenroe and Borg clashes...Aggassi and Sampras...Federer and Nedal.
Examples are endless.Golf competes easily with other sports...we have...
Palmers collapse against casper in the US Open...Norman against Faldo in the Masters. Nicklaus winning the Masters in '86 Woods winning everything in 2000. And what a great Masters this year..it had everything.
I point all this out because there are some who believe without Woods golf will nosedive. The best thing about the Masters 2011 ? It showed that golf is exciting, full of drama, full of talent. If they don't trick up the course silly, it can be great, as this week proved. Carnoustie did it in '99 as do many US Opens. Golf remains a great sport, as watchable as any. It has the advantage of being a global game, like football (soccer) and even better, is played on different courses, all over the world. It also has the best sportsmanship. Be proud of the game, those of you who play it, try to remember it is a privlidge to play it. And the next time you hit one OOB, try to steb back and laugh about it. We are human afetr all.
FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com, editor, Charles Boyer or any other writer or member.
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Very good Easy.....BUT!!!
I’ll have to take exception with your Football pick. EVERYBODY knows it was the Saints winning the Super Bowl……….: )
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Ok.....it's interview time....
How does it feel to have ascended the Fantasy Mountain so quickly? Now that you’re near the top, how long until you’re #1 in the World rankings? And lastly…….how are the cats?
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
That's it???
Hungry…..ok, ok, I guess you’re a little shy……lol
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
The cats are hungry
Me? I’m just playing one shot at a time, staying in the moment…. y’know? We’ll see, ’cause it is what it is. Work in progress. I gotta get the reps in and well… it is what it is. You got it…
by chip n'putt on Apr 12, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Chip......
Yes ma’am
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
England winning World Cup Rugby
in 2003 with Jonny Wilkinson’s late drop goal! Roddick’s titanic Wimbledon battle against Federer. Watson almost winning The Open 2009.
The Masters 2011 was terrific – loved every minute of it. Golf is indeed a great game.
Wales winning The Grand Slam in 2008 against all the odds.............
Especially the comeback against England at Twickenham where they were down by 13 points.:0))
by scrumsndswings on Apr 12, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes boss................Carnoustie 2007 playoff between Harrington and Garcia....:O))
by scrumsndswings on Apr 12, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't like that one so much
‘cos Stewart Cink was partnering Padraig in the final round, faded to come in -1 and drop from 3rd to 6th. Hah! Bet you didn’t remember that did you, did you, when you said Stewart’s win in 2009 was a fluke. I was delighted for Padraig, however.
Well you weren't looking for him, were you?
The cameras quite rightly were on Padraig all the way as he was birdying his way to -6, whereas Stewart was birdying and bogeying his way to -1 to drop from 3rd to 6th. Padraig looked a sure thing to win outright until he hit into the burn and dropped 2 shots at the 18th to end with the play-off against Sergio.
Like Eas I dont remember Cink at Carnoustie and..............
um-as much as I hate to say it Turnberry was a fluke,come on now admit it.:0)
by scrumsndswings on Apr 13, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Just for that I'm gonna support Eas in your matchplay.....oh yes........
Go Eas,do it for the guys……….but my moneys on Wendy dammit,:0)
by scrumsndswings on Apr 13, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Just a little tip Eas........Kipling knew his onions(and cakes)......
When the early Jesuit fathers preached to Hurons and Choctaws
They prayed to be delivered from the vengence of the squaws
Twas the women not the warriors turned those stark enthusiasts pale
For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.
Enough said!!!!!!…………….Stout heart mon ami,stout heart.:0)
by scrumsndswings on Apr 14, 2011 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions
HA !! that ain't all ya gonna have to watch fur...
you ain’t got enough eye balls for all the watching yur gonna have to do….GO LIL WENDY…..STUB
STUB
Geez Louise Eas – can you be more of a western colonialist ? things are going “global” and you left out India winning the World Cricket Cup ! :-D
Excellent piece, Eas – well said – raise an extra dram tonight
If at first you don't secede, try try again
Golf was invented in India? Are you sure.....didn't Al Gore invent golf?....
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
exactly right – invented by Al Gore in 1996 for Tiger Woods….possibly with corporate (campaign) funding from EA Sports
If at first you don't secede, try try again
Hey thats what I was gonna say court
According to the Golf Channel, TW invented it. According to bloggers over there TGC would be closed if tiger wasn’t playing.
O’h my o’h my, How did golf ever survive the Great Depression.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
Jumpn......how about
Rocky Balboa beating Creed in Rocky II……how could that be left of any list of greatest sporting events!!!!!!!!…:)
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
LOL em66 , mmmmmmmmm maybe easing
Hagler vs Hearns, Hagler vs Leonard, Leonard vs Hearns, Mogabi vs Hagler, and “drum roll please” Ward vs Gatti #1 and #2
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
Yup, all those were good ones......
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
O'h wait I left one out.
Me and Vinny Pazienza in the parking lot, behind the Biltmore Hotel in Providence, RI, 1983, bare fisted, after a night of drinking together. I think Vinny got the best of me that night, but I don’t remember all of it. He said I broke his nose for the 3rd time and I suffered two broken ribs and a missing tooth. We went back the following Friday night to have more drinks. LOL :o)
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
They were great ones Jumpin
and I know you don’t like Ali, but Ali Forman was bigger than all of those put together..just the way it is.
easing
I never said I didn’t like Ali, I just wasn’t a fan of his style of fighting. ie: dancing around, rope a dope etc. Unlike Tiger, Ali was his own best PR and marketing crew. He named himself the greatest during a Howard Cosell interview. During that time period as far as heavyweights go, I was a big Larry Holmes fan. still am ;o)
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
I agree about Holmes
Jumpn, as hard as it is for me to agree with you. He was a great Fighter, and a greater Champion. Ali style wise i also agree with you, but the fights, and the drama were riveting. And his opponents were a great canvas for his art.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry I did forget.
Ali had a style that could beat anyone, even if he didn’t have a great punch. Good job he hit his opponent ten times in as many seconds. As you say, the best is ones favorate in many cases.
I do agree
golf is clearly in very very good shape. The game does not need Woods to thrive. However it is better with him in the mix than without. Every great drama needs both a villain and a protagonist. Tiger plays both of those parts to perfection, depending on your point of view. When he’s playing well, he brings a little more excitement, a little more drama, a little more entertainment, and A LOT more viewers.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
In America for sure
He is big here, but there is no rush to support him, we have so many of our own. I always thought, after European and international dominance back in the ’80’s and early 90’s, America was desperate to have someone to stop the tide. Woods and to a lesser extent, Mickleson, stemmed the tide for 15 years, but their time is almost up. European and international players will make up 80% of the top 100 players within 5 years, IMO.
80% ?
That’s a very big number my friend. More great Americans will come, these things tend to be cyclical.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
Also,
America isn’t 20% of the world population. It only goes to show that golf is truly growing into a global game. Wait until the Chinese catch up, and the Indians. You’re going to see something then. Their numbers alone will overwhelm the world of golf. There are a lot of people in China, and India. if they catch a passion for the game, and those countries back Golf, then watch out.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
One problem with that scenario
Golf is a very expensive game in this part of the world and the number of people who can afford to play it here, is proportionately way smaller than the US and most of Europe. Don’t hold your breath waiting for either country to dominate the game because it won’t happen, or at least not in our lifetime.
by chip n'putt on Apr 12, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Chip
if just 5 % of Chinese or Indian people have money…a bit like America 75 years ago when only the Hogans, Nelsons and the Sneads played golf, that is a lot more people than the UK and Australia combined. Grandted, there wouldn’t be too many poor people getting in, but the rich ones would be enough.
Easy
That’s just the thing, it’s less than 5%. Besides that, when you grow up in a sheltered, wealthy way of life, becoming a golf pro is way down the list of priorities or desirable occupations for that matter.
Very few great players come from wealthy backgrounds and my thoughts on this, is that they are not hungry enough. It’s the scrappers that bleed for the game that usually shine and that goes for most professional sports.
The ones without that wealthy background, who will get the opportunity in India and China, will be those coming from the caddy ranks and that is a very small pool. The rest have no chance whatsoever.
I think the major point of all this has been
overlooked….The Chinese, more than the Indians, but both will have NATIONAL TRAINING CAMPS where the talent pool is developed. The Russians do this with figure skating and gymnastics.
The State will determine who plalys golf and who doesn’t…This will have nothing to do with wealthy backgrounds…If you look at the JR.programs right now…that is essentially what they are…Talent Pools..granted, it takes a lot of money to send your child to Florida to those schools, but in India and China that won’t be the case.
I see this happening within the 5 year mark…The Olympics will have a huge impact on this…China will let nothing go by the boards where they think they can have an advantage if just for propaganda and bragging rights….Just MHO….STUB
STUB
China, maybe
Not India Stub. They don’t have two bob to bless themselves with or the structure.
There will be kids coming out of China, there already are, but golf is different to all others. It can’t be bought and paid for and all the money and national training camps in the world won’t do it without the passion for the game coming from the player.
They will have stars in the game, no question, but not at the numbers that some my expect. As far as the State deciding who plays and who doesn’t – sorry, but more than any Western country, China is ruled by money. The only one’s who can afford the game are the extremely wealthy and they do what they please.
by chip n'putt on Apr 14, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't know how you even compare India to China, Stub
one is communist, one is the largest democracy in the world. They don’t do things the same way.
OK Chip and Easy...I understand both your positions,,,
howsomeever…Let’s start with China…As chip says, China is ruled by money…They also have that Nationalistic pride…You can see how they do it in Diving, Gymnastics, and now is Figure Skating…They still want to dominate in the world stage, and the way they will is set up state run programs much like they have already…Why do you think all those courses are being built now ?..Sure, takes a lot of loot to join and play, but that’s not what I’m advancing here…I’m talking about NATIONAL PRIDE.
As for India, the wealth is spreading..Sure, it’s confined to a few, but those were the risk takers….As Golf gets more Global, your going to see the same thing happening there..Betcha it’s within my 5 year time frame too….STUB
STUB
Neither will succeed with developing winning talent
History has proven those training camps don’t develop winners in golf.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome Grease...good to have another opinion
even if it’s wrong…lol..j/k…point is, take a look at the Training Camps right now under the Jr. Golf events…These kids come here and attend school, but the main thrust is GOLF DEVELOPMENT….Parents pay big bucks for the previledge too….Most of the kids go on to great College programs, and than to the Pros….If you don’t start by the time your 7-8 you get left in the dust….STUB
STUB
no doubt, but Men's golf I doubt will ever have a training camp alumni become a great talent
I assume we are discussing training camp similar to Leadbetters. If so…no chance they ever breed a historical definition to a great golfer. Great golfers win Majors…no one from a leadbetter school has ever come close.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you for the welcoming
Hope there can be some stimulating talk on golf on here.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Well Grease...there already is...and no,
we’re not talking about Leadbetter…he takes individual students…You have made some specific statements, without any evidence to back them up….That just makes them your OPINIONS…the same as the rest of us here….
The training camps I refer to have already produced the top of the Jr. circuits….that’s a FACT, What we, or as I suggest, is that in the not too distant future, these kids will also rise to the top…If you really put this under the microsope, what do you think the Nation Wide Tour is?…STUB
STUB
Stub......you are right on....
Weren’t Schwartzel and Louie “Shrek” OOOOossstenhazen(sp??) products of the Ernie Els training school? They currently hold two major titles.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
I see your point and wholeheartedly agree
Nationwide tour is incredible for what it does. I believe training camps is a misnomer in this instances.
Developmental tours, minor league golf, Farm system, would all be better monikers to use going forward.
as for specific statements…leadbetter has never produced a great golfer. My lack of examples is evidence enough.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 15, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Ever hear that he was a world class golfer long before Leadbetter came around...
how has he done since leadbetter started teaching him?
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 15, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
While you're at it
Leadbetter was Faldo’s coach when Faldo made his swing change that took him to 6 majors.
Holy Samoly Chip...ya
chewed ol Grease up and spit him out…Wow, I is sure glad I is yur cuddly fuzzy Bugger….I is too….STUB
STUB
Great job Chip......
and all this time I thought we were supposed to use flour to put out a greasefire.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Great Americans will come...no doubt
But the breeding ground of great players is the who world now. Currently that number is 63% as we type. Itll only get bigger as more events are played around the world.
Ali - Frazier
High drama. Coe-Ovett? Spitz (39 years ago) You’re living in times long gone by. Ben Johnson…….. come on easy. Golf of course will go on without Woods. It survived when Arnie fell off, it survived when the Bear went into hibernation, and it survived Woods’ scandal, but the 2011 Masters was exciting, in part, because Woods was charging on Sunday at Augusta. And this closed minded English bias crap has gone too far…… lol. I was excited to see what Wee Rory would do, that didn’t go well. I thought Luke Donald would break through……..Justin Rose……..Oh well, over here we got to listen to “Sir” Nick, so all’s well. Maybe we’ll see the next real european champion, but not just yet. Until then, escape 1980, and tell Rory to escape 80 also.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 8:37 PM EDT reply actions
Fand G
I was simply recalling some examples in my lifetime, in the post above. No European bias, just golf in general. As you have been away a while mate, had you been here, you would have seen some panicking golf would go down the tubes in America if Woods never won again. I was simply implying golf is bigger than ever. Times gone by ? Just high drama in sports and that golf compares with them. Hope you get it now.
What......... you stopped living
in some era and time gone by. I agree with you on the Woods thing. He’s not golf. No one man is. the European bias crack was followed by a lol. I needle sometimes. Just me. I admire your continental pride. But the fact is today. In this era. Tiger Woods is the biggest name in the sport. Also, there are no great European golfers in “this” time. There are many good ones, but they haven’t had much success in the Major Championships. Ryder Cups for sure. But Majors, not so much. Tiger Woods drives up ratings, both here and over there. If he shows up in europe…..guess what. So do sponsors, and viewers. Look around this blog today. You either love him, or you ahem “hate” him. These are facts. He’s not golf, but he is it’s #1 attraction. Is he a bully?, yes, is he surly? yes. Has he lost face? yes. But, he is the greatest golfer of this generation. BY FAR! Just like Arnie was in his day, and Jack in his, and Bobby Jones, and yes Nick Falso. I mean Faldo. lol.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:01 PM EDT reply actions
Lol
I missed the lol above….it’s 2 am here! Agree on all that about Woods and European players. None of them are true greats, except perhaps Harrington, and his time looks up now. The Westwoods and Poulters, Caseys and Donalds had better win majors soon, or their time will pass them by. as it did for Monty and Clarke. With Woods, he has a few years yet, but less, IMO than a lot think. I like a bit of needle too.
Nice post
by the way. Golf isn’t all of sport either. Thanks for sharing the memories. those events, and those times certainly had great excitement. Even without all this over-blown media nonsense. there were combatants, battles, winners, and losers. None of this crybaby music, and built up boo hoo nostalgia. It was sport. Thanks.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh i'm old,
and i remember those times. they were great. I kid, because i can’t help it. I never mean any malice when i post. I as i suspect you do, am just enjoying my life at this point. Golf as a hobby for me at this time is great. I feel welcome, and that for me is great progress. Some Irish buddies and i will be coming to Ireland, and Scotland for some golf, and a few pints. In the next year or two. Will keep you posted.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Coe and Ovett.
Notice how the Ethiopians, and Kenyans have completely taken over that part of track and field. Look at Women’s Golf. Global means just that. And i would bet my last buck, or okay (Euro) that a great Chinese golfer wouldn’t be totally accepted by many of the bloggers here. Just as the great Korean women’s golfers of today are not totally embraced in the West. Some of us should be careful what we wish for.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:05 PM EDT reply actions
You're so right about middle distance running.
I don’t think we will ever see a European winner of these events again. As for the Koreans and Chinese dominating golf, it doesn’t bother me one bit. There was a time Americans wouldn’t want a black golfer dominating golf. I think it’s more about the PGA tour and who wins there, rather than world golf.
I hear you
and over here there are americans who still don’t want a black golfer dominating golf, or a Korean. But progress has been made, and that’s a good thing. I totally understand your stance on the imperialistic nature of the PGA Tour. The fact that so many WGC’s are played here just emphasizes your point, but again, progess is being made. You may yet in some form get your world tour. We’ll call it the Easy World Challenge Tour. I’ll split the proceeds from the naming rights with you. Peace, and Good night. Again, nice post.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:22 PM EDT reply actions
The WGC in South Africa is step in the right direction.
If some Americans don’t make the trip it won’t matter.They only make up a third of the top 64…the ones that decide not to go will slip down the OWGR and some might fall out the top 64, meaning even less Americans will be in. This trend will speed up if more WGC events are played worldwide like they should be. I think most American players know this and will go. They have little choice.
The WGC in South Africa
is indeed wonderful news. I’m sure there will be a splendid American turn-out for it and they’ll enjoy the experience.
Apart from the odd exception,
American pros will go, they have little choice. The days of the PGA tour money list no longer identify the best…the OWGR does.
Wife and Daughter
have taken over my bedroom, so i’ll wax on. Here in America we embraced the heavyweights of the 60’s – 80’s era. Now the Russians have dominated since they knocked off the European champion, and guess what. Not many people can name the last great Heavyweight match. We don’t care, because they don’t come from a place in which we relate. It’s a world sport now, and we’ve lost a bit of interest. Basketball is like that too. In America we (in our arrogance) claimed basketball as our own. When the world caught up. we got mad, and formed the “dream team” “they never took a timeout”. It’s our arrogance. Now the world has caught up to that also. When China wins the Olympic Gold in basketball (it’s coming). We’ll lose interest in Olympic B-ball. Quick……Who won the olympic 1500 meter race in the 2004 olympics. Had it been someone of English, or American origins……..we’d know, and we’d remember the race. We ask for global, but when we truly get it. It’s FOREIGN to us, and we lose interest. I remember the “If they don’t speak english” nonsense the LPGA tour came up with a few years ago. We allowed the world in, and when they got here, we didn’t like it. So we wanted to make them “illegal” aliens, because they didn’t speak Engish…….Arrogance!!
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 12, 2011 9:49 PM EDT reply actions
Fairways and Grins
That’s not entirely true or fair what you say about the LPGA and the speak English campaign. The way they approached it was a stuff up of monumental proportions. The premise however, was sound. They wanted their players to be able to speak to the press and more importantly, the sponsors. The idea was good, but the way they tried to implement it was another Biven disaster.
by chip n'putt on Apr 12, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Eas don't you ever sleep mate? :0)............................
You and Wendy getting geared up for the Arsenal-Liverpool game on Sunday?
by scrumsndswings on Apr 13, 2011 4:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't sleep much these days.
I’ll watch it, but if Arsenal had a chance of the title, I’d want them to win. I think it’s too late now. Hope kenny gets the job next season. Big re build on the way.
Sorry to hear that Eas.......
Prediction-Arsenal 2 Liverpool 3.Now that would be a great game.Yes the Reds look like they made good buys with Suarez and Carroll.Now I have to go shopping!!!
by scrumsndswings on Apr 13, 2011 5:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Easing
Ditto here if Liverpool had a chance of the title. Sadly Arsenal just aren’t getting it done and Man. U are. Would like to make a fight of though.
See, sucking up again...Jist come out
and tell her Man-U is gonna kick the stuffins out of Arsenal…man up…tell her…she make take it easier on you in August…no, I don’t think so….I see there are a few more Fivers on Wendy now….GO LIL WENDY….STUB
STUB
Why, Just because they win all the
time ?..If the other teams arn’t as good, well…there does have to be a loser…I like them tho..only saw them once on TV, but looked good to me…I’m not usually into much team sports, but I liked the way they attacked and handled themselves….Almost the same as Tiger really…kind of knew they were beter and going to win…that’s confidence with a capital C…sorry about that….GO WENDY…STUB
STUB
Man Utd wern't liked when they wern't winning.
Much admired, to be sure. A great history and along withg Liverpool, the two greatest English sides in history. You have to be here to understand, really.
Of course Easy
and the non speaking English girls are doing their best to develop those skills with a lot of help from the LPGA.
As I said, the original plan was a Biven PR disaster, but it needed to be done, just in a better way.
Chip quit it.
What you stated is the excuse dujour. This was a close minded effort to de-rail the onslaught of Asian players who were taking over the LPGA. From a marketing standpoint, it was terrible. Most of these Women speak the language well enough, and the others are picking it up. The idea/premise was poor, and the execution was horrific.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 13, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
With all due respect F&G, you are wrong
When the Bivens debacle happened, a good percentage of the Korean girls did not speak very much English at all.
It was not a thinly veiled attack against the Koreans at all. It was the Tour trying to keep the sponsors happy. You want to keep the sponsors happy, then you need players in pros ams who can converse with the people they are playing with. You also need players to advertise your product and be able to speak to the press without an interpretor. That was their problem and always has been. They are getting better through the programs that the LPGA are running to help them in that respect. I do agree that execution was horrific. The idea though, was good and it was necessary.
we disagree on this one
Bivens-gate was directly an out and out assault on the Korean players who were coming over in droves, and handing the ladies their visors. I understand about the sponsors, just as i understand the sponsors want the best players putting on the best performances. To even mention, or think that excluding players who couldn’t speak english is a mockery. And this wasn’t just a Bivens decision. And now look at the tour. Forced to leave our shores because the sponsors dried up over here. I wonder if the tournaments around the world will say you can’t play if you don’t speak this language, or that. This was America at it’s worst. We are Arrogant, and Pompous. Or shall i say…………..Conservative.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 14, 2011 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, we mostly agree
except about the intent.
Yes it was poorly thought out, arrogant and pompous, but it was not an assault against the Korean girls because they were “taking over the LPGA”. To say so, marks the LPGA, not just Bivens but all who agreed with the premise, as xenophobic at the very least. That is just not true.
The LPGA going abroad
is something the European tour has had to do for many years. One country, can no longer “have” a tour for a field made up of the whole world…the PGA tour itself is spreading and an international tour is enevitable. It is bound to have some last ditch attmepts to cling on to what it is. The LPGA knows it has to spread abroad more.
Morning Easy
The LPGA had no choice. A very large chunk of their sponsorship comes from OS, especially Korea.
The LPGA is not an American brand anymore, it’s a world wide one and it’s the only way they will survive. Not necessarily a bad thing either.
Evening Chip
I couldn’t agree more. The men’s game will do the same, IMO. The LPGA can show them the way.
The best in the world will be anchored in one tour. on one continent.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
If you believe that, you are being nieve.
the best are not anchored on one continent now. What makes you think otheriwse ?
Globe trotting players rarely stay consistent over a long period of time.
Fine example Ernie else mid 2000s Always apeared ready to challange woods, but after playin in 3 continents in the first 4 months of the year he always fizzled by the time majors rolled around. Travel doesn’t lead to consistent golf.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 15, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Player, Nicklaus and Palmer
all traveled far and wide when they were the best of the best. Faldo, Norman, Ballesteros… I could keep going, but you get the point, I’m sure.
Travel is not the problem, it’s how many events you play. Woods travels far more than Mickelson, but plays less events on the US Tour. You can only bite off so much.
Exactly Chip
Grease just needs to do more research …all non Americans have to travel just to play 3 of the 4 majors.
No it was to keep sponsors happy, and give fans easier access to their players.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
So are we saying sponsors
deserted the tour, because too many winners struggled with English? I know the economy tanked, but was the influx of Asian golfers the driving force behind the LPGA’s contraction, and moving more worldwide. If that’s the case the sponsors are misguided. What about the charities which benefit from these events. How many charities will lose out because sponsors wanted winners of golf tournaments, and touring pros who spoke more fluent english.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 14, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Sponsors are not delighted that fans
don’t care about their tournaments because 4 kims that never talk are challenging for the lead, and they all have no personality and even look extremely similar. I know I don’t care what which korean wins. The rest of America agrees: ratings tank, sponsors don’t think they get their money’s worth
THE CEO of the sponsoring event is usually there, and usually talks to the winner. That talk doesn’t happen when that player doesn’t speak english. He has a choice between Christina kim, Creamer, Pressel, or any Euro winning or(random non english speaking asian) who does he prefer to talk to.
Here is a similar instance of Foreign borns not speaking the language killing an organization:
I talked to a director of very successful business school the other day. He said he is going to half to stop taking so many asian kids for his accounting program. Why? because they don’t speak good enough english to communicate with future employers and it kills his placement ratings. It is a similar instance in the lpga. With the non english speaking asians, sponsors can’t get excited about marketing them. So they back out.
As for your charities comments, Who knows. That isn’t the issue. The sponsors are what drives the tours, not charities. It is totally meaningless in this case
As for moving worldwide. Sponsors will move events else where if they think they can use those sponsorship dollars for that key demographic. Have a tournament in japan or Thailand if they believe that their sponsorship dollars will draw a bigger audience. More non English speaking player are playing. Move to a country that doesn’t expect everyone to speak their language.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Apr 14, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
US sponsors left the Tour
mainly due to your economic problems. Ms Bivens can put her hand up for most of the rest. More sponsors came to the fore in places such as Korea, Singapore and Thailand. The added bonus for those sponsors, was that some of the best players are from Asia.
Back to the original point of the discussion, the LPGA wanted the girls to be able to speak English so that they could interact with, media, sponsors and fans. Not such a bad idea, but some of those girls were very resistant to it. The problem arose with the way they tried to get the recalcitrant ones to toe the company line.
Many Americans don't like it when a non American wins in America
Some feel “they are over here taking up spots Americans used to have”…well, if America produced a great champion or two, the fans would come back and watch. But they haven’t had one in a very long time. No longer is any tour a “home” tour, it’s somewhere the world turns up to play. Sheer numbers alone mean Americans will have to up their game to compete. Lewis stepped up this time, but until Creamer or Wie win 4 or 5 majors, many Americans will switch off.
Hey Easy, Chip...just a thought here, because
the style is so simmiler….Do you thank Ping and Grease are one and the same, or at least related some how ? jist thinking out loud you unner stan…..STUB
STUB
Stub.... I think you pegged it.
Ole greasefire seems to be as erratic and off the wall as that other person you mentioned.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
woooooo hoooooo... finaly
Shot my best round of the year so far. 1 over 72. I must admit we played, clean & place due to wet conditions. The greens was soft and ripe for the picking for close up floppers and 90 yard approach shots. I’ll take it though. :o)
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
Damm nations Jump...that's
great…how many of them girly drinks did ya have along the way?…Wow, i ain’t shot 72 since……well, since I was 72 and that’s a looooooong time ago…well done…..STUB
STUB
lol stubbo
Too early in the year up here in New Hampshire for the Drink Cart girl to be out, the courses are just starting to open. Was a little muddy in spots but it was 58 degrees and a nice day for golf.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
Bravo.......
72 is a great round, no matter what the conditions are. Remember…..in the future you don’t have to “admit” anything.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
True about the Heavyweights F&G's
But honestly boxing is alive and well in the lower weight classes. Pacquiao, Mayorga, Mayweather, Mosley anda host of others. BTW, Vitali Klitchko of the Ukraine is the current heavyweight champ.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn
agreed about the state of boxing
it is in fine hands. Is it Vitali, or Wladimir? I get so mixed up on my Klitchko’s. I enjoy the lighter weights, and i do enjoy the action in the lighter divisions, but the excitement of the big boys is something else. I would like to see more tournaments, and the likes. Still, the sport has a special place in my heart.
"The game is swell when it's played well."
by Fairways and Grins on Apr 13, 2011 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
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