Taking dinosaurs off this island is the worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas, and I'm going to be there when you learn that.
- Ian Malcolm, "The Lost World: Jurassic Park"
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said in an interview last week that she would "love it" and “encourages” players to use handheld devices to post content on social-media Web sites such as Twitter or Facebook and encourages the use of handheld mobile phones during play, even if it runs counter to golf etiquette.
That's right. She'd love it if the players started texting 140-word updates to their Twitter pages during the round. Sure. While we're at it, let's have an update from Donovan McNabb while the Eagles defense is on the field. And what's to stop Brad Lidge from typing while he's sitting around for 8 innings? Hopefully, common sense stops them, because the people in charge are getting antsy for money.
I'd love it if the LPGA would get a new Commissioner. They should find someone who cares about the game, respects the players and wants them to succeed on their own merit. I'm available, and I'll do the job for a quarter of what they're paying Bivens.
Paula Creamer, on her Twitter page said, "I will not be twittering in my round. It should not happen in any sport. The players have already told the tour no way." Good for you, Paula.
LPGA TV ratings are sagging, and they weren't that great to begin with. They just lost Corning as a 31-year tournament sponsor, McDonald's is being jettisoned after next week's championship and, well - you know - in "this economy" times are tough for fringe sports like women's golf and basketball. Remember that little $1 million deal the WNBA cooked up?
I suppose, with desperation come the bad ideas, like legalized gambling and lotteries. When big business and government are backed into a revenue corner, they invariably turn to something offensive, and justify it on the basis of economics. I'm guessing that Bivens doesn't play golf and may not know that fans are prohibited from using cellular phones during tournaments.
Just because the technology is available doesn't mean you have to use it.