The LPGA is taking a stance by requiring tour members to speak english. Nine of the current top 20 players on the LPGA money list are Korean, and the dominance of the far east is becoming apparent.

“For the past several years, the LPGA has impressed upon its membership the importance of communicating effectively in English. As the game’s dominance shifts to the East, the LPGA has strengthened its stance. Learning English no longer is a tour suggestion; it’s a requirement.

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 would result in a suspended membership.”

I’m on the fence with this issue, because on one hand, I understand why the LPGA is enforcing this rule, but on the other hand I sympathize with the Korean players. The LPGA wants to keep the game attractive for American sponsors and viewers, and thats hard to do when they can’t understand any of the participants. However, I bitched and moaned when David Stern and the NBA started enforcing a ridiculous dress code on their players, so I’m all for the freedom and individuality of the golfers.

On a side note, you will never see me type this much about women’s golf again…. I just can’t see it happening.