LPGA Tells Players: Speak English or Else

The LPGA is telling its golfers that speaking English is now a requirement for playing on the tour, and that women who fail to learn English will be kicked out.

Golfweek Magazine is reporting that at a mandatory meeting for South Korean players at last weekend's Safeway Classic, the tour told the players that once they've been on tour for two years, they must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills, and that if they fail their membership will be suspended.

The great South Korean golfer Se Ri Pak says she understands the policy but thinks kicking golfers off the tour for failing to speak English is too severe.

"We agree we should speak some English," Pak said. "We play so good overall. When you win, you should give your speech in English. . . . Mostly what comes out is nerves. Totally different language in front of camera. You're excited and not thinking in English."

Libba Galloway, the tour's deputy commissioner, told Golfweek that she hopes no golfers fail their English test, but if they do, "We wouldn't just say, 'Come back next year.' What we would do is work with them on where they fell short, provide them the resources they need, the tutoring . . . and when we feel like they need to be evaluated again, we would evaluate."