Report: Bivens Gone as LPGA Commish
As stated, the original post is now below the fold.
Carolyn Bivens, facing a player revolt in the wake of a shrinking LPGA schedule, may soon be on her way out as LPGA commissioner. Sports Business Daily is reporting (subscription required) that Bivens is "amenable" to a buyout of the final two years of her contract, which is worth $500,000 over those two years.
SBD is also reporting that the tour's Board of Directors "has authorized a golf industry executive to contact potential candidates to replace her."
The Associated Press summarized: "The sports trade daily reported the tour’s board was not actively negotiating a buyout, but talks are expected to begin soon."
It was revealed several days ago that some of the LPGA's top players had signed a letter requesting Bivens' resignation and sent that letter to the Board of Directors.
The letter was sent in the wake of the demise of the Kapalua LPGA Classic, the seventh LPGA Tour event since 2007 to cease. With Bivens continuing to play hardball with tournament managers and sponsors - seeking to boost fees paid despite the depressed economy - only 10 tournaments are currently under contract for 2010.
Comments
With Gulbis and Wie not playing (two of the top 21 players last week–Wie was third) due to the USGA’s silly rules for the women only, its not worth watching the US Open. (Wait for the British where the R&A will have a “full field” of the best players.)
So the only thing to discuss this week is Bivens. She’ll be gone soon and hopefully someone who gets the value of building relationships with supportive communities will take the helm. For the LPGA, its about the relationship with these communities that really take the players end. The economics are going to vary and this league will need someone who gets that and can be flexible and creative with the finances of these events. [Does the LPGA really have to jack up scoreboard fees, for example?]
I’m pleased that it looks like we’ve seen the end of Bivens, but the damage has been done. Don’t expect the tournaments that have left the fold to suddenly change their minds. Whoever replaces her will have a very difficult job mending the fences.