LPGA officials keep assuring everyone that the 2010 schedule will be better than expected. Of course, they know expectations are extremely low, so it won’t take much to satisfy.
Players received a preliminary schedule awhile back that left more questions than answers. Only 13 tournaments are named specifically. The rest are noted as “On” or “Off” weeks, with three “Asia” tournaments sprinkled in next fall.
The schedule starts in Thailand on Feb. 15 and then goes to Singapore for the HSBC. There’s a three-week break, followed by the J Golf event (San Diego or L.A.?) in the last week of March and the Kraft Nabisco in Palm Desert, Calif.
Phoenix isn’t mentioned, though, if the stars align, it might fit in before J Golf, giving the tour a nice three-week domestic stretch.
There is a gaping hole in April: No tournaments. That four-week hiatus is the longest stretch of nothingness on this early version.
The LPGA Championship is not mentioned, though rumor has it that the tour is close to nailing that down.
Adding up all the “On” weeks, there are 27 tournaments listed. Will be interesting to see how close they come to that number in two weeks.
Comments
courtgolf (anonymous) says...
What does "a while back" mean ? Last week ? Last month ? Before Bivens left ? During the interim commissioner's time ?
Only 13 tournaments listed "by name" ? Why ? Changing sponsors during other weeks ?
Shouldn't these questions have been answered before writing this article ? Seems a bit premature with a new commissioner taking over in January and you don't know what he's working on.
This got past the editors ? Talk about gaping holes in research.
November 5, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easonteam (anonymous) says...
I have been an avid golfer ever since the age of 3. I feel that the best chance the LPGA has for success would be with some sort of team format. They could have a draft and have say 16 franchises to start. One great thing from this would be the merchandise sells. Every local golf shop could carry your favorite teams hats, balls, towels, headcovers, shirts, (for men and women) they could even wear jerseys, for example golf shirts with their name and number on the back. I think this would be a great and fun way for womens golf to take off. The women all seem to care so much about team competition. I think that is great personally. The men never seam to get to excited at the ryder or presidents cup, but the women love the solheim. Could you imagine picking Michelle Wie first in the draft, and she has never even won a tournament. But what city/franchise would want to pass on the future of womens golf. This is just an idea, i watch golf channel realigously and read golf magazines i have never really heard of anyone suggesting this type of league. Let me what you think
November 7, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rbecgolf (anonymous) says...
A team format, what are you smoking? Go check out roller derby if you want a team sport with little powder puff uniforms. Give me a break!
The LPGA needs two things! Lorena Ochoa to keep winning 5 or 6 times a year and about 5 or 6 really good American players to be chasing her every week. Nothing against the Asian talent, but it just doesn't sell in the US and that is why sponsorships are hard to come by. Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressel, Amanda Blumenhurst, etc. will bring excitement back to the LPGA and that will bring back sponsors. http://www.aboutjuniorgolf.com
November 16, 2009 at 11:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )