The Ladies Professional Golf Association is requiring that its pro tour players be proficient in English by the end of 2009 or risk being suspended. It may be a unique stance by a professional sports organization in the U.S.
Reaction runs the gamut. A golf fan brought the story to PGA golfer Padraig Harrington's attention, then asked him if that meant a mute golfer couldn't play in the LPGA. Padraig also wondered whether there would be a test the golfers would have to pass.
The LPGA, for their part says they're not singling anyone out on the 120-member tour, but they're having a hard time getting people to believe them since they held a mandatory meeting on the subject with the tour's 45 South Korean members. The LPGA says it's an American tour and they say they're doing it to help players maximize earnings and help promote the tour.
Regardless of their overall mastery of the language, one has to assume all players know how to say "fore."
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