"LPGA Playoff" vs. "PGA Tour Playoffs"

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In the AP story previewing this week's LPGA Tournament of Champions The Mitchell Company LPGA Tournament of Champions presented by Kathy Ireland Worldwide, it is noted that Lorena Ochoa is trying to wrap up the LPGA Tour's player of the year award before she faces Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb again.

And to show how determined she is to prevent Ochoa from winning, Annika is playing "in Greg Norman's Merrill Lynch Shootout this week, while Webb is taking a break after winning the Mizuno Classic in Japan to move into second place in the points race."

Now, I guess I don't follow the LPGA closely enough, because I was confused about the player of the year points race. Apparently it's different than the points race to get into next week's ADT Championship, where first place is $1 million and they have a pretty wild final day format planned.

The ADT goes like this:

a. The first cut will be after 36 holes to 16 players with a sudden-death playoff used in case of a tie.
b. The second cut will be after 54 holes to eight players with a sudden-death playoff used in case of a tie (scores are cumulative through 54 holes).
c. The final round will be played in four groups of two, with all players starting with a fresh scorecard.
d. Whoever shoots the lowest score in the final round will win the ADT Championship. A sudden-death playoff will be used in case of a tie.

Now that's a playoff! 

Imagine if the PGA Tour incorporated something like that for the Tour Championship TOUR Championship?

Key word here: imagine.

Because the ADT concept is bold, creative and crazy in a fun way, qualities we probably don't have to worry about associating with the PGA Tour.

ShopRite Calls It Quits

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Maybe I've gotten so used to tap-dancing in press releases, but it seems like this on announcing the end of the LPGA's ShopRite event (background here and here) is unusually blunt but informative:

Northfield, NJ -- The Atlantic City LPG Benefit Association today announced that it has been forced to cease operation of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, one of the longest-running events on the LPGA Tour. Tournament chairman Larry Harrison issued the following statement:

“It is with great sadness and profound regret that we take this step to discontinue the tournament, however, we were left with no choice but to do so. In July, the LPGA commissioner notified us that they were awarding our date on the Tour schedule to another tournament despite a commitment from the previous Tour leadership that our date would remain intact through at least 2008. Since that time, we have attempted to negotiate a workable date and a new contract with the LPGA, to no avail.

“In effect, there has been no true negotiation with the Tour, and no direct communication with the Tour commissioner or her staff throughout this process. Rather, the Tour, through its outside legal counsel, has simply offered a few undesirable and/or unworkable dates, of which only one was even remotely acceptable.

“During the period of time when we were working to resolve the scheduling issues, we also attempted to negotiate a new contract with the LPGA, contingent upon reaching an agreement on a new date. Again, there was no meaningful negotiation, only a ‘take it or leave it’ proposition on the part of the LPGA. To make matters worse, the LPGA imposed unrealistic deadlines for execution of the agreement and showed no willingness to try to resolve issues surrounding the contract, all of which would have made it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to succeed going forward. In the end, and mindful of the best interests of our beneficiaries, we could not proceed with the unfavorable terms put forth by the LPGA.

“As a result, despite a 21-year record of enormous success, a total outlay of more than $16 million in purses to LPGA players, and charitable donations totaling more than $12 million to scores of worthy non-profit organizations, we find ourselves in a position whereby it is no longer feasible for us to continue with this event.

“The untenable circumstance we are confronted with was created by the leadership of the Tour, their decision to rescind our date and their unwillingness to negotiate in good faith on an alternative date and a contract.

“This is an outcome that we desperately hoped could be avoided, but, in the final analysis, it was made necessary by the decisions and actions on the part of the LPGA leadership.

“We remain deeply proud of the significant contribution we have made to the growth, success and stability of the LPGA Tour over the past 21 years, and the sizable impact we have had on so many worthy non-profit organizations. It is truly sad and unfortunate that our region has lost a high profile, world class sporting event, and that these charities will no longer be able to count on our funding.”

I'd make a joke, but this is so pathetic that there is nothing to say.

Well, actually, reader Tom, who sent this in, did point out that this, coupled with the demise of the HSBC Women's World Match Play (played at Hamilton Farm in NJ and the Sybase Classic at Wykagyl, means that under The Brand Lady's watch, the LPGA has gone from three significant events in the world's largest media market to maybe, just maybe one if the match play sticks around.

"I wish the (media) photographic contract had not been expiring"

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Carolyn Bivens, talking to Larry Bohannan about what surely keeps Tim Finchem up at night too:

"What I didn't know and what I certainly would not have chosen was for there to be the volume of issues," Bivens said Wednesday at Bighorn Golf Club, site of this week's Samsung World Championship. "I wish there hadn't been 11 tournament contracts that were due to be renewed. I wish the (media) photographic contract had not been expiring and had to be addressed."
Yep, I'm sure all commissioner's lie awake at night wondering, "what are we going to do about this photographic contract?"

And this is interesting:
On some tournaments leaving the tour after this season: Bivens said tournaments left for various reasons, including changing business climates, changes in marketing and, in some cases, changes that would have been required for renewal by the tour. "That's part of the cycle. There were 11 of them up for renewal. One of the tournaments (in Las Vegas) we chose very quietly not to renew. It hadn't been a very popular tournament."

Uh, now as an outsider, I didn't know that the LPGA was in such demand that you could just "quietly" not renew an event because it wasn't "very popular."

The LPGA "Playoffs"

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Jeff Shain comments on the silliness of the LPGA's "ADT Playoffs," and like the FedEx Cup, it sounds a bit odd.
With a few breaks, next month's ADT Playoffs might end with three players laying claim to ``champion'' status.

Tradition, of course, gives the title to the player atop the money list. But with the ADT winner cashing $1 million and second place $100,000, the list could get skewed.

There's also a Player of the Year points race, which places the ADT on the same level as its four majors.

And now to add to the confusion, the LPGA has resolved the ADT winner will be declared the ``season champion'' - much like the Heat was the NBA's last team standing.

Got it all straight?

``I think we are all questioning that,'' said Annika Sorenstam, taking a wait-and-see stance during a teleconference with reporters. ``Let us see how it turns out.''

The Player of the Year race is its tightest in years, a four-player chase among front-running Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb, Sorenstam and Cristie Kerr.

Meanwhile, any of seven players could top the money list with a $1 million payday - a number that could go up or down in upcoming weeks.

But suppose someone outside those seven - Morgan Pressel? - won the ADT with Webb second and Ochoa eliminated after 54 holes.

Webb would move past Ochoa on the points list but not the money list, while Pressel would reign as ``season champion.''

Voila! Three champions. The only element lacking would be Don King.

Reforming the Advisory Council

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It's kind of fun to see who Carolyn Bivens has surrounded herself with after reforming the "Commissioner's Advisory Council."

The new council is comprised of 22 individuals from the corporate, academic, political, philanthropic and cultural arenas and is co-chaired by Bivens and Charles S. Mechem, Jr., the commissioner emeritus of the LPGA.

The council convened for the first time in early September and will continue to meet periodically each year. Its role is to provide expertise and guidance in all aspects of the LPGA's business, while also serving as a sounding board as the LPGA continues to grow and evolve. Members will offer expert counsel and insight in their respective areas and will assist Commissioner Bivens and her staff in optimizing opportunities for the LPGA's future growth and long-term success.

Among the members of the council are Edwin L. Artzt, retired chairman and CEO of the Procter & Gamble Company; Alice Dye, golf course architect; Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association; Nancy Lopez, LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame member; Steve Mona, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association; and Sheila Tate, vice chairman of Powell Tate/Weber Shandwick.

Powell-Tate surfaces again! These lobbyists pop up everywhere: as USGA media consultants, PGA Tour lobbyists...wow, they must be good.

Well, unless they're the ones who suggested that Walter Driver do that ESPN.com live chat.

Another Brand Moment

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_41078155_kiran270.jpgJeff Shelley reports the latest Carolyn Bivens magical mystery move:

Her most recent questionable action came when she recently denied a request by 17-year-old Kiran Matharu to attend the LPGA’s Q School, which starts on the 19th.   

In her letter of denial, sent to Matharu via email on September 9th, Bivens wrote: “I do not believe your record in professional golf competitions demonstrates you can compete at the highest level of women’s professional golf at this time . . . I recommend you apply to qualify for the Duramed Futures Tour, ‘The Official Developmental Tour of the LPGA.’ “    

What the heck is Duramed anyway? Ah wait, that's branding because I asked what Duramed is! God she's good.

Well, this doesn't make her sound so good: 

Of all the Q School applicants this year, Matharu might actually be among the most qualified. She’s the reigning Ladies English Amateur champion, was a member of Great Britain and Ireland’s Curtis Cup team that competed last month at Bandon Dunes, and placed 15th in her first professional event. In addition, the young Englishwoman is a two-time Faldo Series Girls champion.    

Yorkshire-born Matharu started golf at the age of 11 and has been an outstanding player ever since. She’s the only British Asian female golfer, has an engaging personality and was named twice as Leeds Sports Performer of the Year – in 2003 and 2004. Earlier this year she was named “Female Junior Sports Personality of the Year” at the Sony Entertainment Television Sports Personality of the Year awards for British Asians.    

Of Matharu’s future, Nick Faldo said, “I’ve worked with Kiran for nearly three years now and in that time she has certainly proved that she has the potential to succeed on the big stage. Kiran combines a great game with a steady nerve and I’m confident that, with a little more experience, she will be in a position to challenge for the very highest honors that the ladies game has to offer.”    

After the Curtis Cup, Matharu turned professional with a plus-4 handicap, the lowest of any female golfer in the UK. She made the cut and finished 15th in The Wales Ladies Championship, her first professional tournament.    

And Now A Word From Our Sponsor...

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Thanks to LPGA Fan for noticing the not-so-subtle message posted on the now defunct Takefuji Classic's website:

To all our Volunteers, Media, Sponsors and Spectators:

Thank you all for the support, time and effort you gave to help make the LPGA Takefuji Classic such a success during the last four years.

We regret to inform you that 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.

We enjoyed working with you and wish you all the best.

LPGA In New York

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Sam Weinman reports on the LPGA's venue issues in New York and New Jersey. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But brace yourself, it seems we're not going to have the opportunity to study the misunderstood ingeniousness of The Donald's Briarcliff Manor waterfalls...
Donald Trump has abandoned another effort to bring a high-level professional golf tournament to his Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, telling organizers of the HSBC Women's World Match Play Championship this week the club no longer wishes to be considered as a host for 2007.

"I decided against it," Trump said. "The (village of Briarcliff Manor) was very nice, and if I wanted to go through with it, the town was willing to go through the process. But it wasn't a process I wanted to go through."
That Donald is such a take charge guy!  Meanwhile at Wykagyl, probably the best LPGA Tour site, things aren't looking good for a return.
The uncertain future of the HSBC event mirrors that of the Sybase Classic, which is again exploring the possibility of moving away from its current home at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle. Since the most recent tournament in May, the event's contracts with both title sponsor Sybase and with Wykagyl have expired, but according to Chris Higgs, the LPGA's senior vice president and chief operations officer, discussions with both parties are ongoing.

"We continue to have positive ongoing discussions with Sybase and are working toward 2007 for both a sponsorship and host site," Higgs said in a statement.

Said Wykagyl general manager Tim Muessle: "I don't think anything regarding the Sybase Classic has been decided either way."

Leaving The Atlanta Market...

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From Stan Awtrey's AJC story on the demise of the LPGA event in Atlanta:

LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens was traveling and could not be reached. In a prepared statement she said, "While we regret the cancellation of the event, one of the stops on the LPGA Tour hosted by the revered Hall of Fame athlete, Nancy Lopez, on behalf of the entire LPGA organization, let me thank the tournament staff, volunteers and the Atlanta community for their hard work and support throughout the years. The LPGA will look forward to returning to the Atlanta market in the future."

I know this is getting pretty picky, but why can't she just say we're looking forward to returning to Atlanta soon? Why does it have to be the "Atlanta market?" That impresses no one and only reminds the people of Atlanta that they're viewed as a market instead of golf fans.

Bivens: "If I’m overshooting, then the marketplace won’t replace tournaments...there will be a new commissioner"

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Thanks to LPGA Fan for the latest warm-fuzzies from Carolyn Bivens, who surely must be finding herself courted by several Fortune 500 companies by now.

Rob Oller writes in The Columbus Dispatch:

Bivens, in just more than one year, has encouraged players and frustrated the Tournament Owners Association with her fresh ideas on what the LPGA business model should be. Her view is that the tour needs to start acting like it belongs with the "big boys" of sports — football, baseball basketball, PGA Tour — and part of the plan includes providing health benefits to the players and increasing their retirement fund.

It also means asking tournaments, such as the Wendy’s Championship for Children, to dig deeper into their pockets to invest in the tour’s growth and also help defray costs that the tour has paid for years. For example, the tour is planning to require tournaments to pay for the electronic scoreboards that dot courses. Currently, the Tour splits those costs (about $30,000 each) with the sites.

"The status quo gets the LPGA less than an acceptable marketing budget," Bivens said yesterday at Tartan Fields Golf Club.

Just think of a world without "These Girls Rock" posters. See why charity must suffer?

Tournament directors who wonder how they will raise the additional money need to look around, Bivens said.

"It’s no different than any other corporation or private citizen," she said. "You figure out your salary is X, your expenses are Y. If you’ve got a mortgage that the interest rate is going up next year, you’ve got to figure out … do you take an extra job? It’s life."

Or maybe death, if you happen to be a tournament organizer.

"I think (Bivens) wants to raise the standard of operating practices, which is great. We should all challenge ourselves to be better," Wendy’s tournament director Kip Eriksen said. "I look at that (issue) a little different from the ($100,000) funding request."

Eriksen, who is a member of the Tournament Owners Association, said the owners want a clearer picture of what Bivens’ proposals will look like and how they will affect their tournaments.

"What is the return for us on the incremental investment," he said. "The tour will get better. What does that mean? How does that translate to the Wendy’s Championship? "

Eriksen also thinks he knows how sponsors will react when tournaments approach them for more money.

"They’re going to say, ‘What do we get in return?’ " he said.

And if Bivens is wrong and is aiming too high?

"If I’m overshooting, then the marketplace won’t replace tournaments. There won’t be more sponsors and there will be a new commissioner," she said.

You? Overshoot? That's hard to fathom.

Meanwhile, Gordon White in The Pilot lumps Bivens in with Maurice Clarett, Duke lacrosse and everything else he sees that is wrong with sports. Now that's positive branding.

SI "First Person" : Natalie Cooks In a Prom Dress

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015732550.jpgSI.com features this tough give-and-take session with Natalie Gulbis and supplements this historic coverage with a photo gallery of Gulbis posing in a mobile home kitchen. Not exactly Walter Iooss Jr. Best of the Swimsuit Issue here.

In other words, no bathing suit shots (in case you were on the fence about hitting the link.)

Thanks to Pete the Luddite for this.

Wie On The Rules of Golf: "It's Not A Great Read"

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You have to love her honesty. And while they'll never be confused with Grisham, she probably should brush up on them a bit.

The Independent's Andy Farrell reporting from Royal Lytham:

And this is the basis of the problem with Michelle, which is ours as much as hers. Wie has done has great things, getting into contention in the majors, almost winning last week at the Evian Masters, and through to final qualifying for the men's US Open.

But she is not the finished article, and at 16 why should she be? She is still learning her trade and is still not a full-time golfer. This is her summer holiday, and yet already her every score, every shot, every action, every word is scrutinised.

Last autumn she turned professional, earning millions in the process, but in many ways she remains a talented amateur, albeit one with great potential. While she remains in mainstream education, she will not be able to complete her golfing apprenticeship.

It's the little things. She cheerfully admitted to not being quite ready for her early tee-time on Thursday and promptly bogeyed the first three holes. It's also the not so little things, like not being aware of the rule about sweeping away a loose impediment on the backswing in a bunker.

A two-shot penalty resulted when she did just this on Friday. "It's not a great read," she said sweetly when asked if she would be examining the Rules of Golf more closely. But an important read, and the fact that a shocking number of players have a limited knowledge of the rules is no excuse for a professional.