The United States Team turned in a disappointing final round of 80 in the Women’s World Cup this past weekend. Young phenom, 19-year-old Ai Miyazato, shot a 6-under 67 to capture the title. The only other sub-par round on Sunday came from Lorena Ochoa of Mexico.
The US finished 14th, with superstars Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel scoring a 78 and 80 respectively. This particular venue is interesting in that the first round was best ball, the second round was alternate shot, and the final round was stroke play with both women’s scores counting toward the total score. The first round allowed the field the lowest scores with many scores below par 73.
So, why am I feeling disillusioned with the LPGA Tour?
Women’s golf is certainly not as exciting as their PGA counterparts. The female golfers are tremendous players yet they leave me wanting to turn the channel. Although purses are increasing, the World Golf tournament gave out a total of $1 million in prize money versus a staggering $5 million each for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and FBR Open.
Perhaps my malaise during tournaments can be attributed to lack of excitement. There just aren’t any “Tigers” or “Phils” out there on the LPGA Tour, no one who really “grips it and rips it.” When I walked 18 holes inside the ropes with Annika at Wykagyl CC, I admit it was exciting but then, she is the top female player in the world. (Even Annika has decided not to play in all of the LPGA tour events this season, and she is a big draw for the average spectator.) Michelle Wie is an apparent draw (so much so that she is already playing on PGA venues), but even she pulls larger crowds at the Sony Open than her several LPGA appearances.
So, what does the LPGA have to do to get more people to watch? Both men and women watch the PGA on television, but most of the LPGA tour is relegated to the Golf Channel or ESPN 2 with only a few tour events captured on channels 2, 4 or 7. Perhaps the LPGA tour should focus on players who generate more excitement, such as the young and funky Jennifer Rosales or Calendar Girl Natalie Gulbis.
Or, perhaps the Tour should alter its format more often. Mix it up a little. Maybe there should be more shows that feature LPGA, PGA, and Champions Tour members to introduce these qualified young female players to eager golf enthusiasts.
But, something must be done or the LPGA will continue to limp along.
Could it be that women play too well? You never see Annika hit a 50 yard block slice off the tee like Tiger did in 2004, she just goes along fairway to green hole after hole. Grace park never hits a flop shot that goes 50 feet in the air because she’s hardly ever in the rough. Watching the pros is neat because of the incredible recovery shots they play, that’s exciting golf because I can’t do that. I just don’t see that on the LPGA tour.