Rolex Rankings Tweaked

It looks like the Michelle Wie-ranked-second-without-a-win-farce is over.

From the LPGA:

Following is a media question and answer session with Chris Higgs, chairman of the Rolex Rankings Technical Committee regarding two modifications to the Rolex Rankings.

PAUL ROVNAK:  I would like to welcome Chris Higgs, chairman of the Rolex Rankings Technical Committee to the interview area.  Many of you were present when Chris announced two slight modifications to the way the
Rolex rankings are calculated.  For those of you who were not present, Chris, if you would briefly review the modifications and then we'll take questions.

CHRIS HIGGS:  Be happy to.  As you know when the rankings first came out with a minimum number of events required to be ranked in the rankings, that number was 15.  As a result of our biannual meeting of the Technical Committee and the Board of the World Rankings, we decided to make two modifications to the ranking system. The first is the elimination of a minimum number of events, and the second is the addition which is similar to men's golf, of a divisor.

The easier way to describe that is beginning with the conclusion that of this week's Weetabix Women's British Open, any player on any eligible tour who scores points will now be eligible to be ranked.

And getting to the point behind this...

Q.  So before this week where would Michelle Wie be ranked using the new
system?

CHRIS HIGGS:  If you were to use this week's current rankings, pre-British Open, and apply the new 35 divisor, I believe Michelle would now be ranked seventh.

"Wie being winless makes about as much sense as Mel Gibson on the side of the road"

Grant Boone takes an entertaining look behind the scenes at the Evian Masters and women's golf in Europe. Thanks to Noonan for the heads up.

Wie A Second?

Michelle Wie holds down the second spot in the women's world ranking over Karrie Webb, even though Webb keeps winning. Gotta love it!

Bivens: Some departed before she even took over!

The Golf Channel's tough questioning of Carolyn Bivens did not quite live up to say, the Ely-Fay debate on the ERC driver (back in the last century when David Fay was concerned about the distance issue!), but did yield this curious question and answer from the LPGA Tour Commissioner: 

BRANDEL CHAMBLEE: Your brief tenure has been plagued by some resignations and at least one dispatch of Barb Trammell. I'm just wondering if you can elaborate a bit about what happened in some of those cases.

CAROLYN BIVENS: Well, first of all, as we all know who work in business, you can't talk about private personnel and human relations issues. So, not going to get into any individual situations. But I will say that any time an administration changes, any time there is change from the top, there will be some who will leave for a variety of reasons. And in some cases it may not be that they have something against the person who is coming in. It may simply be that they've been through a number of changes as different commissioners have come to the organization and they don't want to go through it again. In some cases it may be a disagreement with the direction its headed, and in some cases it's better opportunities. Some of the--I would consider unfair criticism--several of those people left before I even had a chance to make any impact or actually took over the organization.

Uh huh.  

MEDIA ADVISORY: "Bivens Fully Aware That She Will Be Asked Tough Questions"

From The Golf Channel:

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens to Answer her Critics on Friday’s Sprint Post Game on The Golf Channel

WHO: Carolyn Bivens                      Commissioner, LPGA Tour

Steve Sands                          Sprint Post Game Host

Brian Hewitt                           Sprint Post Game Analyst

WHAT: Carolyn Bivens will appear on Friday’s Sprint Post Game news program on The Golf Channel, following the conclusion of the third round of the Evian Masters.  Fully aware that she will be asked tough questions, Sprint Post Game will provide a forum for Bivens to answer her critics, explain her positions and to defend her record.

Yes, fully aware that they'll be doing something unusual, like actually asking tough questions!

WHEN: Sprint Post Game

Friday, July 28, 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. ET

WHERE:The Golf Channel

This ought to be fun. I mean, to see if The Golf Channel asks tough questions...

"What is your favorite color?"

Thanks to reader Charlie for submitting this year's leader in the clubhouse for Rally Killer of the Year Award.

Q: Your father is not your caddie anymore. Do you miss having him on the bag?
MICHELLE WIE: Honestly, not really. (laughter)

Q: What don't you miss?
MICHELLE WIE: Umm, well he is in the room. No, but it was fun when he caddied for me, but he is getting old. He cannot carry that big bag around. He wouldn't make it around. (laughter)

Q: What is your favorite color?
MICHELLE WIE: I like all different kind of colors, purple, pink, blue, green. Pink I like, obviously because I am a girl. I really like all different kind of colors. It really depends on my mood. When I am really, like morbid, I really like black. But I like all different kinds of colors.

"Another week, another Carolyn Bivens controversy"

Jay Coffin writing in Golfweek:

This time, the LPGA commissioner bailed on a July 20 Tournament Owners Association meeting at the last moment, saying she was uncomfortable with the situation. Bivens made her decision moments before she was to board an airplane heading for Denver, and she told several other LPGA staff members they were not permitted to attend. One senior staffer was at the Denver airport when Bivens made the decision, and the staff member immediately returned to the tour's Daytona Beach, Fla., headquarters.

And this is nice...

"The performance of the TOA board over the last couple of weeks is beginning to cause some serious dissection," Bivens told Golfweek July 20.

Dissection?

"The only way the LPGA and TOA as a group can have a relationship is if it is based on trust. I don't feel as if there has been full disclosure."

Bivens had a 2,800-word speech prepared for the TOA meeting – a copy of which was obtained by Golfweek – where she planned to set the record straight by going point-by-point through "misconceptions or differences that have been reported." The subjects included Bivens' strategic plan, the 2007 schedule, new sanction fees, tour finances and the characterization of Bivens' relationship with the TOA.

Under the latter heading, Bivens wrote, "I have repeatedly left meetings and conversations with many of you feeling energized about our future together, and comfortable that I have shared the LPGA's goals and direction in detail. Yet I turn around and read articles that depict a much different picture. This sort of public outcry does not have the LPGA or its players as the primary focus. One can only conclude there are individual agendas at work.

And she even gets all Freudian on them.

"The passive-aggressive dealings of the TOA leadership are not healthy and are not in the best interests of the LPGA and anyone associated with our organization."

You go Carolyn! 

LPGA Leaving Las Vegas

Thanks to reader Noonan for this Kevin Iole story:

In a letter to volunteers, tournament manager Ava Kawana wrote that LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn V. Bivens doesn't think Las Vegas is a good market for the tour.

The Takefuji Classic took place at Las Vegas Country Club for four years beginning in 2003.

"I regret to inform you the new commissioner of the LPGA does not feel Las Vegas is a good market for the tour and we will not be continuing the tournament," Kawana wrote in her letter. "I hope that in the future, the LPGA will have a different view and we will be able to work together again."

Their Own Self-Interest

Ron Sirak has the latest on the LPGA-ShopRite spat in this week's Golf World, with this quote from the Commissioner.

Harrison says Bivens gave his date away while they were still negotiating with the LPGA Tour. Bivens denies that, and the level of acrimony is evident. "I have trouble with her credibility and I have trouble with her integrity," Harrison said.

"We would love to be able to work it out," noted Bivens, "but it hurts the overall product when people care only about their own self-interest."

Isn't "own self-interest" redundant?

Of course Bivens is only interested in dumping the ShopRite for a more lucrative event to increase her Tour's charitable donations. 

Hawkins On The Commissioners

John Hawkins in the latest Golf World:

In 2006 we've learned Carolyn Bivens and Tim Finchem share at least one common trait: a zeal for prioritizing revenue generation over the game's competitive welfare, then trying to disguise their corporate mentality by peddling it as progress.

And...

The FedEx Cup format has been panned both inside and outside the ropes, becoming the first playoff series to include more participants than are eligible for the regular season.

Coming off the controversial decision to forsake ABC/ESPN and sign for 15 years with an endemic network such as The Golf Channel, Finchem appears to have bartered his legacy to strengthen the tour's fiscal standing. He calls title-sponsor suits to the podium at news conferences, a practice that further reveals his transparent motives. He uses his own time at the microphone to embark on tangents about the tour's economic prowess, then fends off pertinent questions with his patented semantic splendor.

Another Feather In Bivens' Cap

I tell you, I am going to miss her. You can't make this stuff up!

Robert Thompson writes about Carolyn Bivens in Canada and here beyond belief comment to Lorne Rubenstein.

“Lorne, you are much better looking than you sounded on the phone yesterday,” Bivens said. Is it just me, or is this an unusual comment to make to a major newspaper writer in the midst of an interview?

If Tim Finchem said that to Christine Brennan, he'd be packing up his office.

Coffin On ShopRite

Golfweek's Jay Coffin on the ShopRite situation, which is making Tim Finchem's handling of Washington D.C. look graceful.

"The ShopRite folks have not signed a contract with the LPGA since 2001," Bivens said. "We wanted them to have the same date, and while we were negotiating with several other tournaments their date was not in play. Then, after their tournament was over, we had no indication they were going to re-sign. That's when the ShopRite date was pulled into play. We are hoping we can work something out."

ShopRite's last LPGA contract did expire in 2001, but that's the LPGA's fault, Harrison said. He contends that the event has been more than willing to sign on the dotted line for the past five years but the tour has constantly dragged its feet in expediting the process. Besides, in 21 years the ShopRite has given more than $12 million in charitable donations, with more than $1.8 going to charity last year, the highest of any LPGA event. Harrison believes those statistics entitle him to better communication from LPGA brass.

"For somebody who says they care about the LPGA, (threatening a lawsuit) is not consistent," Bivens said. "We've retained a terrific law firm, (which) has reviewed this. We wouldn't be putting the LPGA at risk if we weren't sure we have the right to do this."

Whether, or how, the situation is resolved will not diminish Harrison's distaste for Bivens.

"She has no integrity," he said. "None. And if the (LPGA) board (of directors) doesn't do something soon, the whole tour will have no integrity."

In With Ginn

You'll be shocked, SHOCKED to find out that IMG was involved in the LPGA ShopRite Classic getting set aside for the "Ginn Tribute Hosted By Annika Sorenstam."

The press release:

<sup>GINN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT TO STAGE ONE OF RICHEST LPGA TOUR EVENTS WITH $2.6 MILLION GINN TRIBUTE HOSTED BY ANNIKA SORENSTAM IN CHARLESTON, S.C.

ARNOLD PALMER DESIGNED RIVERTOWNE COUNTRY CLUB COURSE TO HOST WORLD'S GREATEST FEMALE PLAYERS MAY 31-JUNE 3

MT. PLEASANT, S.C., July 17, 2006 - Ginn Sports Entertainment LLC announced today that Ginn Clubs & Resorts will sponsor and stage its second LPGA tournament-- the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika Sorenstam at the Arnold Palmer designed RiverTowne Country Club Course at the Belvidere Resort, May 31-June 3, 2007.  The announcement was made today by Ginn Clubs & Resorts President Bobby Ginn and LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens.

Ginn also announced that the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika Sorenstam will be run and operated exclusively by IMG and televised nationally by NBC Sports.

The 72-hole event will also focus on a tribute to an LPGA great each year.  The player will be honored and saluted in ceremonies during tournament week.

The addition of this $2.6 million event brings the fast growing Ginn Clubs & Resorts portfolio to four professional golf events-two on the LPGA Tour and two on the Champions Tour.  Ginn Clubs & Resorts hosted the LPGA's Ginn Open in Reunion, FL earlier this year and two Champions Tour events have recently been announced for 2007-the Ginn Championship at Hammock Beach set to be played March 26-April 1 with a $2.5 million purse and the Ace Group Classic Champions Tour event in mid-February of 2007 which will be hosted at Ginn's Quail West community and golf courses in Naples, FL.

"It is unbelievable how fast we are growing," said Bobby Ginn, President and CEO of Ginn Clubs & Resorts.  "I certainly didn't think we'd be where we are this fast with four professional events for our rapidly developing golf resort and real estate communities.  "We had an unbelievable first venture with the LPGA in Reunion and we'll stage another fantastic event in Charleston.  To have Annika Sorenstam, the world's greatest female player as our host makes this tournament even more special."

"I am thrilled and excited to host this prestigious inaugural event," said Annika Sorenstam.  "I have a great relationship with Bobby Ginn and Ginn Clubs and Resorts and this tournament further highlights the direction that we are taking together."

"We are very excited to once again team up with Bobby Ginn and the Ginn Company for the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika Sorenstam, which will debut in 2007," said Carolyn Bivens, LPGA commissioner.  "Ginn's initial event with us, the 2006 Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open in Orlando, was world-class from the start. I am confident that this will be repeated at the inaugural event in Charleston where players will experience exceptional hospitality and a fabulous course and fans will be treated to great competition by the best players in the world."

The Arnold Palmer designed course at RiverTowne Country Club that will test the skills of the greatest women players in the world was named the 2004 South Carolina Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.  The 18-hole par 72 layout measures 6,679 yards from the medal tees.

Sixteen golf courses have either been constructed or are in development and Ginn's course architects are a Who's Who in the world of golf-Hall of Famers Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Tom Watson and Tom Kite all have either designed or are designing courses on Ginn's resort properties.

The Ginn Company commissioned golf legend Arnold Palmer to develop Charleston's first Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course.  The 18-hole championship course includes 13 holes that wind along the Wando River and Horlbeck Creek.  The five sets of tees on this 7,200-yard venue provide spectacular challenges that are meant to deliver a memorable golfing experience to every player of the game.  RiverTowne Country Club received a 4.5 star rating in Golf Digest's Place to Play in 2005 and it was the South Carolina Course of the Year in 2004.</sup>

Shopping The ShopRite's Date

Michael McGarry on the LPGA's decision to give the ShopRite Classic's date away:

A South Carolina news conference today could escalate a feud between the ShopRite LPGA Classic and the LPGA.

The LPGA is expected to announce a new golf tournament at RiverTowne Country Club in Mount Pleasant, S.C., during the news conference.

Classic General Chairman Larry Harrison said Sunday night the LPGA wants the South Carolina tournament to be played the first weekend of June — the weekend the ShopRite Classic has been held the past two years.

Harrison said the Classic would sue the LPGA if its dates were given away.

“I feel like somebody punched us in the stomach,” Harrison said. “We were talking to them about a contract, and they were negotiating behind our backs with someone else. That didn't sit well with me.”

And just in case you weren't sure how ugly this was going to get:

Classic officials have had their differences with past LPGA commissioners and that is not unusual. Most LPGA tournaments at some time in their history have a dispute about dates with the LPGA. But this feud is above and beyond anything that has happened previously.

Harrison wants Bivens out as commissioner.

“It's mind boggling,” Harrison said, “why the LPGA board just doesn't cut its losses.”

Logan On Bivens

A few things worth noting in Joe Logan's analysis of the Bivens era:

Bivens also has developed chilly relations with many of the media that cover the LPGA, among them Dottie Pepper, the veteran LPGA player-turned-analyst for the Golf Channel.

"I started out as a fan of hers," Pepper said last week. "But she won't talk to me now. Unfortunately, it's Carolyn's way or the highway."

That approach always ends well for executives. And so smart to be rude to someone with both a column and a microphone. Or, as Carolyn would call, it, a multimedia platform. 

Even some of Bivens' early and ardent supporters within the player ranks, including Sorenstam and Juli Inkster, are beginning to waffle.

"I am quite concerned about some of the decisions and changes I have seen lately," Sorenstam said recently, breaking her silence to Golf World magazine. "I just wonder where we are headed."

And... 

To hear Bivens' critics tell it, she owes her rocky start to a style they liken to the proverbial bull in a china shop or, perhaps more apt around the family-oriented LPGA world, the lout who crashed the picnic.

"I think she came from a business that was pretty cutthroat," said Stephanie Hall, president of the TOA. "Where she came from, she was probably excellent. This may be a difficult transition for her."

Larry Harrison, general chairman of the ShopRite Classic, who is at odds with the LPGA over the future date of the Jersey Shore tournament, questions Bivens' integrity.

"I had some differences with [Bivens predecessor] Ty Votaw, but everything was always out in the open, and I never doubted his credibility," Harrison said last week. "I have trouble with her. While the LPGA was talking to us about our contract, they were in negotiations with somebody else to take our date."

Market forces Larry, market forces.