LPGA stars ask for the head of their commissioner

July 7, 9:18 AMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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Little attention is usually paid to the LPGA tour in the national sports media unless a tournament is in full swing. Even then, it's hard to find much more than a cursory summary of the leaders and the ultimate winner unless you read a magazine that is dedicated to women's sports.

Last autumn, the LPGA made some splashy headlines when its commissioner, Carolyn Bivens threatened to suspend players who weren't able to conduct interviews or chat up sponsors in the English language.

Within a matter of days that idea bit the dust but the reason that Bivens gave for imposing that rule is anything but difficult to understand: it's the economy, stupid.

And it seems that after receiving more bad news about lost sponsorship that resulted in regular tour stops folding their tents, top players in the game gathered to discuss how to address it.

In their opinion, according to Golf Week, their commissioner isn't doing a good job. The players have also complained that they get mixed messages about the Tour's viability. A letter was sent to the LPGA Board of Governors asking for Bevin's resignation. In addition, Golfweek.com reports that 15 of the tour's top golfers met with members of the Board at this past weekend's event to discuss Biven's performance and the Tour's economic health or lack thereof.

Bivens has been the target of criticism from the first year of her tenure, most of which centered around her relationship with sponsors and media outlets. Examples are, here and here

The letter reportedly claims that all the current financial woes cannot be explained by the worsening economy and perhaps that is true. There are leaders that can help their organization weather bad times and others who can't. It appears the players think Bivens falls into the latter category. With seven tournaments having disappeared from the Tour, the stars of the sport want to take decisive action to keep their sport alive.

LPGA wants to suspend non-English speaking players      Women's golf tour gives up language rule

Golf Examiner, Dave Seanor has details on the LPGA issues, here               FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER