LPGA explores having players twitter during rounds
Soon we could get an even closer look into the LPGA, as commissioner Carolyn Bivens explores having players twitter during their rounds, according to a Bloomberg report.
During an LPGA summit in early May, the Tour encouraged players to join Twitter and other social networking sites to better interact with their younger followers. Christina Kim, Michelle Wie, Anna Rawson, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel are now some of the most prolific tweeters, allowing fans to be involved in their lives on and off the course.
"I'd love it if players twittered during the middle of a round," Bivens told Bloomberg Thursday. "The new media is very important to the growth of golf and we view it as a positive, and a tool to be used."
The concern is where Twitter fits in with traditional golf etiquette and the rules of golf. Many courses don't allow fans or players to have mobile devices on the course during tournaments, though some players have twittered during practice rounds.
For now, the LPGA is awaiting a ruling from the USGA on whether or not twittering during a round would be within the Rules of Golf. The rule in question is Rule 14-3, which states a player may not use any device “that might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play.” In addition to that, there is a note in the etiquette section discouraging behavior that might distract other competitors.
One of the more insightful tweets out of the LPGA'ers on the network came recently from Christina Kim, who shared, "I don't get miked anymore bc there was an incident in 2006 I think.. Some potty language slipped, fines paid, apologies. But I'm still game!"
If the USGA deems it okay, Kim's quips could soon be live again, just in a new medium.
What do you think? Should tour players be allowed to twitter during their rounds? Share your thoughts below.
Posted by: Frank F | May 31, 2009 6:13:49 PM
At Sybase I asked Paula Creamer face to face, if she was on twitter and she said "NO"!
Posted by: JAH | May 29, 2009 3:45:59 PM
This is a terrible idea! I do not want to see this kind of distraction during a tournament!
Posted by: JAH | May 29, 2009 3:44:02 PM
This is a terrible idea. I do not want to see this kind of distraction during a golf tournament. Please, no!
Posted by: John | May 29, 2009 11:01:33 AM
Bad idea. Not only time consuming but it opens the door to potential rules breach - i.e. cheating via outside sources of information.
Posted by: Matt | May 29, 2009 6:05:29 AM
I can't see it actually distracting from other players, I pull my cell phone out of my bag to check the time occasionally. As long as it doesn't slow play down why not give it a shot. They should figure out how to work them into the broadcast too.
Posted by: EL | May 29, 2009 3:33:13 AM
If Carolyn honestly thinks this will help the LPGA, then go for it. Truth to be told, they can be golfing in samberos and bikinis and I still wouldn't watch it, I rather sleep.
Posted by: joe | May 29, 2009 2:41:45 AM
It's the LPGA, The public does not really care what they do. Sorry, but its the truth
Posted by: DJ | May 29, 2009 1:25:10 AM
Isn't play slow enough already? What's a top player going to say when they are 4 over through nine holes? I can wait till after the round to hear their thoughts.
Posted by: TR | May 28, 2009 9:28:11 PM
Sorry...I have enjoyed the LPGA, and understand their cirsis, but this is not an acceptable way to draw fans. What it would do is distract other golfers who didn't, encourage boorish behavior by "fans", and I suspect take some away from their ability to concentrate on the next shot. How can their heads be "in the game" if they're tweeting? What the LPGA quite frankly needs, with all due respect, are some good American golfers who can beat the Koreans who have taken over the tour.