LPGA Backs Down on English-Only Policy

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has backed off its announced "English-only" policy for golfers in response to a loud negative reaction.

The LPGA has decided to rescind penalty provisions of its new "effective communications policy" that previously had proposed suspensions for international tour members who did not pass an oral English evaluation after two years on tour.

The LPGA will announce a revised plan by the end of 2008 -- but the new plan will not include penalties.

"We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions," LPGA commissioner Caryolyn Bivens said in a statement released by the LPGA Friday. "After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every tour player."

In summary, LPGA officials pussied out and quickly changed their position at the first sign of disagreement. I think they realized that their initial decision was difficult to defend.