About the writer Professional golf is stuck in the rough of the worst economy in
nearly eight decades. A plummeting stock market, fizzling TV ratings following injury to superstar Tiger Woods, a tidal wave of bank and brokerage buyouts and the slowing growth of the ranks of weekend golfers continue to bedevil the circuits. And bad news continues to batter the tours: So far, federal regulators have hesitated putting restrictions on taxpayer funds flowing to sporting events. “While we have implemented new restrictions on executive compensation and luxury perks, we will not get involved in individual companies’ marketing decisions,” said Treasury spokesman Isaac Baker. “We take a long view. Remember that from 2000 to 2002, we had to deal with the tech bubble bursting. Then we had 9/11. We came through those events stronger than ever. We’re in uncharted territory, and admittedly past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But we’re optimistic. A lot depends on how long the recession goes on. If this is just a down cycle, we’ve dealt with those. If it’s a long-term, systemic problem, then it’s another proposition. But then, everyone is hit by that,” said Votaw, also a former commissioner of the LPGA tour.
LPGA officials express tempered optimism — probably a tough 2009, but a good 2010 due to the rising popularity of winless rookie phenom Michelle Wie and recent lucrative deals linking the circuit to cable’s Golf Channel and South Korea’s JoongAng Broadcasting Corp. LPGA presses on with four fewer tournaments and nearly $5 million less prize money than offered last year.