Golfers on the LPGA tour must speak English

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour includes female professional golfers from all over the world, and the organization wants all of them to be able to speak English. Though "LPGA"s exist in other countries, each with a geographical designation, the U.S. organization is the largest and best known.

As of 2009, the association will require LPGA tour players to speak English. Players who have been LPGA members for two years will face suspension if they can’t pass an oral evaluation of English skills. The rule is effective immediately for new players.

Deputy association commissioner Libba Galloway told the press “We want to help our athletes as best we can succeed off the golf course as well as on it.”

The tour held a mandatory meeting with South Koreans last Wednesday at the Safeway Classic to inform them of the new policy. There is no such rule on the PGA Tour. There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, including 45 players from South Korea.

The policy was endorsed by at least one tournament director, Kate Peters of the LPGA State Farm Classic. 'This is an American tour,' Peters said. 'It is important for sponsors to be able to interact with players and have a positive experience.'