Women’s golf is the future of the game — Must-click women’s golf links — Best Rose Zhang reactions

The IX: Golf Thursday with Addie Parker, June 8, 2023

Well, golf fans, I’m not quite sure what to make of anything right about now. I touched down in New York yesterday to an orange haze after circling LaGuardia for 30 minutes, which really felt like seconds because I was deep in conversation with my seat buddy about the PGA/LIV merger. Much of the conversation included the phrase “I just don’t know”, because truly, what the actual hell is going on? And honestly, I won’t get into it. There’s not enough concrete information swirling around and this will take weeks to unfold as the commissioner of the PGA Tour Jay Monahan tries to pay penance.

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The two cents I will offer up on the matter is this — these two entities, the PGA tour and LIV Golf, have made claims over the last 18 months or so, that the true goal is to grow golf globally. To me, that sounds like investing in junior golf development across the globe. Involving the other, smaller tours like the DP World Tour and Asian Tour. Introducing more mixed events with the LPGA, LET, and Epson Tours — because women’s golf is global; in the first five events of the season, five players from five different countries won on the LPGA.

It’s difficult for me to understand the argument of “growing the game monetarily” when a non-major tournament in Louisanna for the PGA Tour has a bigger purse than an LPGA major. It’s difficult for me to understand wanting more outreach for viewership when networks consistently cut off LPGA events to broadcast something else. To be fair, LIV is only a year into whatever it is they are trying to do. However, beyond the large payouts, I’m not seeing the work they are doing.


Last week at Mizuho was momentous for the LPGA. From the venue, to Michelle Wie West’s hosting skills, to Rose freaking Zhang going head-to-head with Jennifer Kupcho in her pro debut to win — we witnessed history and within a matter of days, the entire conversation has shifted to this ongoing battle between money and seemingly the male ego. Tuesday was Women’s Golf Day and not a single major golf outlet reported on it, because why would they? Bigger issues are happening, right?

Golf’s biggest leaders have a duty to protect and ensure Rose Zhang’s future — she is the future of golf, period. Her mini-press tour across New York was unlike anything we’ve seen in recent history from a young LPGA star. She’s extremely likable, she’s great with the media, she’s humble, she seems grounded, and she will become the next face of golf. The casual golf viewer needs to see more of Rose Zhang. Her story, coming from immigrant parents, learning golf within a matter of months before competing in tournaments, and just grinding is what needs to be shared. She knows herself, she knows her swing and she focuses on the fundamentals — we could all learn a thing or two watching her manage a course.

While the PGA and LIV hash out the details, the LPGA needs to situate itself in a position that showcases the raw talent and unity of the tour. Throughout this whole situation, the LPGA has only grown in sponsorship and viewership, the growth is there but perhaps kicking into the next gear needs to happen sooner rather than later. A statement from Commissioner Marcoux Samaan was released after some of the dust had settled.

Remaining focused on the women’s game is exactly the assurance I needed. At the end of the day, golf fans want to see amazing golf being played at the highest level — women’s golf delivers that week in and week out. With Pebble Beach on the horizon, I’m hoping players take hold of this moment, and prove that the LPGA really is the better tour and all levels.



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This week in women’s golf

If you have links you wish to share for Golf Thursday, sources for golf news, or want to talk about anything at all, you can email me at addieparker25@gmail.com ! Discussion of any kind is always welcome…I mean it…MESSAGE ME!

LPGA News

Event this week — ShopRite LPGA Classic

The LPGA doesn’t have a player whose name transcends golf in the U.S. Historic winner Rose Zhang is in position to change that

Rose Zhang wins Mizuho Americas Open, accepts immediate LPGA Tour Membership

Rose Zhang makes history, wins LPGA debut, matching feat last accomplished 72 years ago

A closer look at Michelle Wie West’s successful debut as host at Mizuho Americas Open

Austin Ernst takes assistant coaching position at Texas A&M, will step away from LPGA Tour

LET News

Linn Grant made history at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in 2022 securing a nine-shot victory and becoming the first female winner on the DP World Tour, and she’s ready to do it defend

Sweden’s Madelene Sagström is excited to be back home as she looks to emulate Linn Grant‘s success and reign victorious at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed

Epson Tour News

Field Breakdown: FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship

FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship: Meet the Invites

Alena Sharp captures first win since 2014

NCAA News

Georgia senior Jenny Bae named recipient of 2023 Inkster Award, earns LPGA exemption

Other News

Molly Smith makes history as first woman to qualify for Massachusetts Amateur in its 115-year history

A good read on who really “won” the PGA/LIV situation


Five at The IX: Best reactions from Rose Zhang winning at Mizuho

On Sunday and Monday, the world of golf was simply reeling over Rose Zhang and the incredible two-week stretch she pulled together. Rose is in full bloom and the world is giving her, her flowers.

Here’s a collection of social media posts just obsessing over Rose that I’m currently obsessing over.

Rachel Heck

Justin Rose

Tiger Woods

Claire Rogers

The No Laying Up guys

Callaway

Max Homa

Cameron Jourdan, Golfweek

Kate Smith, Epson Tour


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Mondays: Soccer
By: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer
Tuesdays: Tennis
By: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer
Wednesdays: Basketball
By: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The Next
Thursdays: Golf
By: Marin Dremock, @MDremock, The IX
Fridays: Hockey
By: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden
Saturdays: Gymnastics
By: Lela Moore, @runlelarun, Freelance Writer


Written by Addie Parker