Golf fans hoping for a glimpse of the genteel side of professional golf will likely be disappointed with a Solheim Cup spectacle, writes John Huggan in The Scotsman ( bit.ly/ocm6Yf 18 December 2011).
The reported bad behaviour of previous US players Beth Daniel, Dottie Pepper and Christina Kim would never be tolerated by a lady captain’s medal in even the roughest part of the back of beyond so why is it tolerated at this level and what causes it?
European Team veteran Laura Davies, meanwhile, tells eurosport.com that the bitchiness is a thing of the past.
“I think the last four or five versions of the Solheim Cup, there’s really been no needle that I can remember that stands out. “There’s always a bit of chatting and a bit of banter but that’s what makes the Solheim Cup what it is.”
But there are contradictions peppering this whole debate and the game needs to have a good heart-to-heart with itself to be honest. It’s common knowledge that women’s golf has long played second fiddle (and by a long chalk too) to the men’s game – in terms of following, sponsorship, corporate affiliations and so forth, but in that context oughtn’t the women’s game take every opportunity to raise its profile?
I’d hazard a guess that a large part of the attraction to the PGA Tours is testosterone-led. Blokes like the idea of blokes playing a muscular game and being mentally tough. If these qualities are seen as being absent from the women’s game then the attraction will inevitably wane as far as a viewing universe is concerned.
If it takes rumours of a febrile competitiveness in LPGA and LET circles to pique wider interest, then fair’s fair. But there’s a credibility about Americans behaving badly – the demand-society, competing from infancy, affluence, privilege – that doesn’t quite ring true for the more laid back personality of Mediterranean players or the sang froid of the Scandinavians.
Then throw into the mix a wild card like Anna Nordqvist – born and raised in Sweden, now resident in Orlando Florida, and still theoretically young enough to be influenced. Nonetheless, she is noticeably less uptight and standoff-ish than her US-reared counterparts while at the same time being possessed of an effortless confidence, very natural charm and a robust sense of fun.
If Dottie is as potty as claimed and Christine isn’t as pristine as golf etiquette demands one could argue that high pressure doesn’t always bring out the best in some athletes. But if – as I suspect – the bitchiness is a contrivance to broaden an audience than it’s a fair and legit marketing ruse.
In truth, though, there is a huge amount to enjoy in watching women’s professional golf. Tony Jesse and his wife travel all over the world from their home in New Jersey following the LET and LPGA Tour and they’re not alone.
The lesson underlying it all, sadly enough, is that the golf establishment is still found wanting in its endeavours to open up the game at all levels and to all comers (like women and juniors), despite insisting they are vigorously trying to grow club golf in this way. They’re full of shit. And anyone who hasn’t guessed it is likely in the same camp that says Tsk! to Solheim cattiness.
If you’re a bloke and you’re aggressive then you’re a playa. Try it as a woman and you’re just a bitch, Girlfriend.
Nordqvist - charming and a robust sense of fun