Members of the LPGA Tour will be required to sit an English exam from next year, it has been announced.
According to new regulations unveiled by LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens, all players who have been on the Tour for two years will have to pass the test by the end of 2009.
In a move that is likely to be controversial given the large number of diverse nationalities involved with the Tour, those who fail the exam will have their membership suspended.
However, deputy commissioner Libby Galloway said that the test will be designed to help the "professional development" of the world''s top female golfers.
"What we would do is work with them on where they fell short, provide them the resources they need, the tutoring," she stated.
There are currently 26 different countries represented on the LPGA Tour, including 45 golfers from South Korea.
One of these players, Se Ri Pak, told Golfweek that she agrees with the exam but believes the LPGA should fine those who do not pass, rather than using suspensions.
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