Stephenson and the Korean Tour

[rogerhuang]

Perhaps an attempt to get more interest in golf from the African-American community. I couldnt care less what color he is or what his ethnic background is.

Well said!!!

[rstyle]

That says it all about color. How about sexual preference.
There seems to be a larger number of open or semi open gay women in the LPGA vs gay men in the PGA (none that I know)

Do you think the viewing audience will increase and watch LPGA tournaments on tv when an attractive female golfer consistently playing well versus the opposite?

[GaijinGolfer]

Well, Im sure that the heterosexual men would certainly watch, especially if Gulbis or Pressel are doing well.
However, Id much rathar see them focus the most talented/skilled players in the LPGA, not the ones who have the most sex appeal.
Thats something thats said about Gulbis from time to time. She is referred to by some as the Anna Kournikova of golf because of the fact that she hasnt won very often, but is well-known because of her sex appeal.

[BruceMGF]

I thought Stephenson's problem with the Koreans (and other Asians) was that they don't learn English, don't interact with the fans, and give the press minimal attention. As long as they do that, they won't help increase the LPGA's fan base.

[rogerhuang]

They won't help the LPGA fan base in the US, but it's irrelevant, since the LPGA fan base in Asia is much larger and more profitable.

That's why Bivens secured the first LPGA event in China and has plans to get more events in Asia, while eliminating events (e.g. Corning Classic in 2009) in the US. She is moving the LPGA to where the money is.

Great news for Asian players. Bad news for our American players. Might as well, since it's the Korean players who are dominating the LPGA more and more each year.

Still, the American players can move on to their second career: modelling and other eye-candy jobs....