Does the LPGA and Carolyn Bivens "lack integrity" as Shoprite officials claim?

Why does the LPGA insist on creating controversy for both it’s players and sponsors? Last year, the LPGA was blasted by some of it’s golfers for it’s season-ending ADT Championship $1 million prize which could easily distort the golfers on the money list. This year one of it’s tournament hosts is ready to sue over being shoved out of the way by a new event.

Jay Coffin at Golfweek states that legal action is being sought by officials of the Shoprite LPGA Classic because a date that was originally promised to host their tournament has been given to Ginn Sports Entertainment, sponsors of a newly created second event on the LPGA tour schedule.

Annika Sorenstam will host the Ginn Tribute next year from May 31-June 3 in South Carolina.

While this appears to be a better move for the LPGA, Larry Harrison (Shoprite Classic GM) is seething, claiming that, “they (LPGA) offered us dates that were ludicrous – none of them will work".

Contracts have not been signed with the LPGA since 2001 but Harrison claims that it’s because the LPGA has been dragging it’s feet. I think it’s because the LPGA was shopping for a better deal. The Ginn Tribute is expected to offer up $2.6 million for the event. The Shoprite Classic offers a total purse of half that amount but has also donated millions to charity during the years of it’s sponsorship.

Do bigger dollars necessarily make for a better tour?

Although this issue was first mentioned before Carolyn Bivens took the helm of the LPGA, it is now up to both her as well as the powers that be to assuage the stiuation and come to some amicable agreement.

Mr. Harrison stated, “she (Carolyn Bivens) has no integrity. None. And if the (LPGA) board (of directors) doesn’t do something soon, the whole tour will have no integrity".

The LPGA draws such a small audience can they afford to lose such a loyal sponsor?

Golf may be a business but loyalty creates a successful business.