This Week at WorldGolf.com: May 1, 2007
Saying the LPGA will "never" be equal to the PGA Tour is a bold statement
One of the reasons I receive loads of fan mail from my legions of female admirers is because I think of the birds and the bees as equals. My soles ache when I see a woman in high heels and, on dates, we always split the dinner tab.
This is why I took exception to a segment in a recent episode of the popular "TravelGolf.com This Week" podcast. In a discussion with golf writer Bill Wolfrum on the LPGA Tour's new stars, podcast host Dave Berner echoed some sentiment that is all too common the golf world.
"I do think there is more interest in the LPGA," Berner said. "Is it ever going to be on par with the PGA? Never."
Why not?
The most obvious exhibit of why the LPGA should set its sights as high as the boys' is women's tennis, which gets similar ratings and several tournaments have equal purses. Others, such as Wimbledon, lag a few thousand dollars behind, not half a million. Women's tennis has increased in popularity faster than the men's game. Today you see Maria Sharapova on TV more than Tiger's good buddy, Roger Federer.
And even though men hit harder serves, the women's game is more fun to watch. Sound familiar?
The girls on the LPGA Tour hit the ball a human-like 260-280 yards and play on course lengths confined to one time zone. A mid-handicapped golf nut should actually enjoy their style of play more than men. Not to mention girls on tour are getting cuter and more fashionable by the event. I know its unfair that women have to look good in sports in order to draw the masses. But people won't watch super-size gals on TV unless they're on a reality show screaming at the babysitter.
Of course, equality won't happen as long as Tiger Woods is around, unless somehow Michelle Wie miraculously gets back on track towards winning competing in men's majors instead of being an excuse-laden sellout - which doesn't seem possible anymore.
But eventually, maybe one or two generations in the future, the gap could significantly narrow to the likes of pro tennis. Given the PGA Tour's problems with creating a product worth caring about every week, and the LPGA's emergence of young, exciting talent, saying this could "never" happen is a bold statement.
As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.
Mother's Day 2007 is two weeks away. If mom is a golfer, you should consider Myrtle Beach and a golf weekend that combines great golf courses with fine accommodation and a killer Sunday brunch. She won't know what to say. WorldGolf.com has your three-day itinerary.
Also: In Myrtle Beach without clubs? Fret not: rentals await
Jack Nicklaus rules in Los Cabos, Mexico, where you can find a number of championship golf courses bearing his design signature: Palmilla, El Dorado, Cabo Del Sol's Ocean Course. But there are Fazio and Trent Jones Jr. golf courses in here as well, most attached to world class resorts that make for a can't-miss golf vacation. Our correspondent gives you a destination guide for this perfect piece of Mexico.
Also: Miles of beaches, a plethora of golf put Los Cabos on the map
Think those posh Boston-area golf country clubs are only reserved for New England nobility? Think again. Many new private golf courses have sprung up around the Hub in recent years and the clubs they're attached to are looking for new members. And they don't require that your ancestors have a direct connection with the Mayflower. Looking to join a country club? WorldGolf.com gives you the skinny on accessible private golf in Boston.
Also: Hear the latest "Golf Tips are for Monkeys" podcast
The Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort is excited to offer a complete Mother's Day Extravaganza in honor of our wonderful, beloved mothers everywhere. Whether a beautiful brunch with a view of the majestic mountains is your desire, getting mom out on the links for some fresh air, laughter, and time together is what you are after, or keeping her decked out in the most stylish women's sportswear is your goal, The Paiute brings three times the special occasion to you.
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