Suck It LPGA!

Under increasing criticism, the LPGA (Lesbians Playing Golf Associasion) backed off plans to suspend players who cannot speak English well enough to be understood at pro-ams, in interviews or in making acceptance speeches at tournaments. Since when did the Republicans get involved with women's golf?

The tour commissioner said she would have a revised plan by the end of the year that would not include suspensions, although fining non-English speakers remains an option. Because this is America, damn it! Original plans were disclosed some weeks ago in a meeting with South Korean players. The policy, which had not been written, was widely criticized as discriminatory, particularly against Asian players.

While the LPGA membership includes 121 international players from 26 countries, there are 45 from South Korea, and Asians won three of the four majors this year. "We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions. 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."

The announcement came two hours before the Asian Pacific American Legal Center planned a news conference in Los Angeles to demand the LPGA overturn its policy. One of the tour's title sponsors, State Farm, already weighed in this week by saying it was "dumbfounded." The tour will continue to help international players through a cultural program that has been in place for three years and offers tutors and translators. Their flawed argument is that international players who could communicate effectively in English would improve the pro-am experience, sponsor relations and could help land endorsements for the players.

"We do not, nor will we ever, demand English fluency, or even proficiency, from our international players. To the contrary, we are asking that they demonstrate a basic level of communication in English at tournaments in the United States in situations that are essential to their job as a member of the LPGA Tour."

Okay, so they're a little racist on the ladies tees...now let us never speak of it again. This is women's golf, y'know - it's not important or anything.