Comments on: LPGA Backs Off English-Only Rule — Fixing a Bad Fix

By: CJSamms

CJSamms — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:31:18 +0000

First, I’ve listened to and watched a lot of interviews with Ozzie Osbourne and Bob Dylan over the years, and I still can’t tell you what the heck they’re saying. But it never stopped me from buying their music.

Second, I love the NBA and Charles Barkley, but quite frankly, sometimes I have an easier time understanding what Yao Ming or Manu Ginobilli are saying than what Sir Charles is saying. And as a broadcaster, communication IS his job.

Third, I’m old enough to remember those Palmer-Nicklaus duels. People didn’t like Jack back then because he wasn’t as personable and fan-friendly as Arnie. Well, he still isn’t. But he’s improved quite a bit over the years.

It just takes time for players to become comfortable with their game, their new-found fame, being in front of crowds, being on TV, interacting with fans, etc. And if English is not your native language, that’s just one more hurdle you need to overcome.

So, on the one hand, I think the LPGA’s English and PR tutoring program is a great step in the right direction. You’re helping them overcome their obstacles. You’re not punishing them for not being able to overcome those obstacles. It’s a great idea.

But, on the other hand, the idea of REQUIRING players to speak English reminds me when my grandparents first came to the US and people used to say, “why can’t YOU PEOPLE speak English?” Virtually all immigrants recognize that as just code for “Why don’t YOU PEOPLE go back to where you came from?”

By: Marketing Writer

Marketing Writer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:58:40 +0000

You can’t be inclusive AND demand that people speak English. The primary reason for the LPGA is to give players a place to play golf. An American marketer targeting an American audience would most likely not use a Korean pro-golfer, I am guessing. If they really want something, there are interpreters. I am glad the LPGA revised this xenophobic rule.

By: philbernstein

philbernstein — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:18:03 +0000

I don’t know any pro golfers. Some probably connect the dots that way, and some don’t.

But golf is such a social game that much of the value of the outing would be in the conversation — joking around, offering advice on swing or club selection, etc. And that’s what gives the amateurs the stories they can tell their buddies later.

Take away the conversation, and it doesn’t matter how polite the pro’s are — the am’s are likely to be disappointed in the experience.

By: pdxknitterati

pdxknitterati — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:59:36 +0000

I guess sending an interpreter would kind of wreck the foursome. Yes, they have a problem. But how about emphasizing to the pros that this is where their $$$ is coming from, so they should make nice? Even if there’s a language barrier, the ams would know and appreciate that the pro is trying to be friendly.