LPGA joins the Navy, Bivens walks the plank.

Monday July 13, 2009 | 15:33:06 404 words, 35849 views

After LPGA golfers signed a petition rallying for the resignation of Carolyn Bivens with a show of “no confidence", the Tour is now searching for a permanent replacement.

Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis and Morgan Pressel were among fifteen golfers concerned about issues facing the LPGA including a loss of seven events since 2007. The latest bailout of the Kapalua Classic was probably the nail in the coffin for Bivens. Morgan Pressel was the winner of the inaugural event and she happens to be the Tour Pro there as well.

What a blow for Carolyn Bivens, the first female commissioner in the LPGA’s 55-year history!

Early in her career with the Tour, Bivens can be credited with establishing guidelines for the protection of players’ rights and enhancing the image of the LPGA as young and vital. Remember how viewers USED to see the LPGA?

Retired Navy Rear Admiral Marsha Evans has been appointed as the interim commander of the LPGA. With experience serving as CEO with the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina to her credit, the Admiral may go down with the sinking ship.

Evans resigned from her position with the disaster-relief group taking with her $780,000 in severence pay. Red Cross spokesman Charles Connor noted, “concerns about her management approach and coordination and communication with the board,” as reasons for her ousting.

Annika Sorenstam has been appointed as an advisor to the LPGA Board but it might be a better idea if she was elected as the new Commissioner. Sorenstam is popular with both player and venue, well-versed on how to run a business and promises “to ensure that the LPGA remains the pre-eminent women’s sports association in the world.”

The future of the LPGA?

This week on Golf for Beginners, we also discuss Phil Mickelson’s “forward press” drill from his new DVD set, “DVD Set “Phil Mickelson Secrets of the Short Game.”

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4 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]

The last straw my have been Wie Gulbis. With these two players still needing exemptions, the rules were changed from top 35 to top 10 for the current year. In return, 10 positions were added from the previous year which included no big draw players. Since the Open is the only event with devent TV coverage this is a major problem. Had Wie done well and generated excitement that could have helped save some tournaments.

Permalink 2009-07-13 @ 19:58

Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]

My choice for new commish. Juli Inkster. Someone else can handle day to day affairs, and anything with a conflict of interest. But otherwise let Juli be the boss.

Permalink 2009-07-13 @ 21:44

Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]

Unfortunately the "letter" was written three years too late! It wasn't very smart to let Carol "no people skills" Biven to destroy the LPGA before taking action.

Your right Jim C about the decision that Mike Davis of the USGA made concerning Wie and Gulbis. It seemed like it was "payback time" against Wie from Davis's comments. Pretty dumb since the LPGA hardly has its head above the quicksand.

Permalink 2009-07-18 @ 15:43

Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]

“I just made mistakes,” Woods said. “And obviously you can't make mistakes and expect to not only make the cut but also try and win a championship. You have to play clean rounds of golf, and I didn't. I made my share of mistakes out there today and didn't play a very clean round.”

Bubbles, are you listening to what Tiger is saying? He didn't say "I thought I played very well, except for the bad breaks and a couple of putts that didn't fall."

Permalink 2009-07-18 @ 15:47

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