The LPGA in America

Photo Credit Keith AllisonBased on performance alone, Yani Tseng should be to the LPGA what Tiger Woods was to the PGA in the early years of his career. Not yet 23 years old, Tseng has 22 professional victories to her credit, including five major championships. No player of either gender has accomplished so much so early. There are a few LPGA events in other parts of the world (closer to Yani’s homeland in Taiwan) that benefit greatly from her celebrity, but  it’s not the case for LPGA venues in the United States. In fact, the LPGA is struggling mightily to get tournaments and sponsors in the U.S.  Sponsors of course are driven by the people who consume their products, so you have to ask “Why is American interest in women’s professional golf dropping off when one of the most talented players ever, is on the rise?”

Based on personality alone, Yani Tseng should be to the LPGA what Arnold Palmer was to the PGA in the prime of his career. 60,000 fans came to see their beloved superstar play in the LPGA Taiwan Championship last year – she has mass appeal at home for sure.  Despite her much lower profile in the U.S., Yani Tseng chooses to live in Florida and make competing on the LPGA Tour her main focus. Like Woods, her golf game speaks for itself and she could rest on that, but like Palmer, she wants to be a part of the bigger picture. Yani has worked hard over the last few years to learn to speak English. She seems to like those in the media and gives them full access. She communicates with fans on Facebook and Twitter and often in two languages. She is determined to help the LPGA thrive in this country. If you follow Tseng for a little while, you have to ask “Even if it takes a little longer, can she be the one to put the LPGA back on the map in the U.S.?”

Based on the history alone, Yani Tseng’s performance and personality may be enough to make her a superstar in America. Perhaps it’s human nature that dictates our desire to cheer for those who are most like us  – you know, the three ‘L’s of location, language and looks. It’s also human nature and very American to remove those barriers as we come to know someone better.  Hopefully, Yani will get some help in this quest to spur the LPGA in the U.S. If Lexi Thompson, the 17-year-old American phenom lives up to expectations, the 2012 rivalry between these two could set the LPGA on fire!

Recommended Reading:
Celebrated in Asia, Little Known in America – NY Times
Tseng’s spectacular year ranks fourth in AP voting – Waggle Room