Book Review

Kahn, Liz (1996). The LPGA: The authorized Version. The History of the Ladies Professional Association. Group Fore Productions, Inc: Menlo Park, Pgs. 3 11 $29.95

The book is organized into nine components: a forward by Betty Hicks, and introduction by Liz Kahn, five different time periods, a list of Women Professional Golf Association (WPGA) Founders and the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Charter Members. The first time period is identified as The Early Years, which consists of the first 45 years of women’s professional golf. This period gives the historical perspective of the growth of the WPGA. Within this context comparisons are made in differences of salary between the men and women professional golfers, women’s involvement with sporting goods manufacturers and their commitment to golf clinics. A more in depth discussion of seven of the women golfers reveal the trials and tribulations of their entry into the world of professional golf and the difficulties as they worked to organize the WPGA which would lead the way to the formation of the LPGA. The 1950’s is the next time period which began with the for- malization of the LPGA. This move was not without controversy. In the fifty pages that depict this time period, issue of politics, power, and leadership as well as expansion into the European com- petitive arena are prevalent as the LPGA experiences growth pains. Nine women golfers are highlighted during the fifties. With the LPGA receiving more societal recognition so the lives of the golfers became more open to public scrutiny. The issues of race and ethics surface in the third time period ( 1960). Althea Gibson joined the tour after her successful career in tennis and later Renee Powell. Given the time period and golf’s reputation for “whites only” controversy was created when black females joined the tour. Although the tour (players and commission- er) were supportive of Ms. Gibson and Ms. Powell, establishments created several obstacles for their participation. Ethical issues sur- rounded some assumptions that one or more women were moving

232 WSPAJ Vol7, No. 1 Spring 1998 Book Review the ball on the green. The involvement of the LPGA Board in decid- ing the sanctions for perceived ethical issues created another contro- versy and ultimately lead to a restructuring for dealing with rule vio- lations. Other issues which became more prominent during this time peri- od were appropriate dress, femininity, and career versus marriage. An additional eleven women are included in the discussions in this time period. The 1970’s and 1980’s are combined into the next time period. Jane Blalock, , and Ray Volpe were instru- mental in the wave of change in the 70’s. A lawsuit was filed, there was a change in the administration of the LPGA and charming per- sonalities increased spectator interest. Qualifying schools began in 1973 and Title IX influenced the awarding of college golf scholarships. In the 1980’s television cov- erage became more prominent, there were more stars on the tour, increased purses, top golfers moved into managerial positions, and the LPGA established a retirement program. The issue of femininity still surrounded women on the tour (dress, marriage, homosexuality). The growth of the tour is obvious with 23 more women being highlighted in this time period. In the 1990’s the LPGA endured awkward management prob- lems and moved from Houston to Daytona Beach where they received more prominence. The Solheim Cup was initiated, a num- ber of women were combining career and marriage which led to child care facilities being established at the tour sites. European women joined the tour and the Wendy’s 3 Tour Classic was initiated. While progress was being made and the LPGA was gaining prominence, the issue of lesbianism surfaced via comments from a commentator. That commentator was eventually fired. There was a change in commissioners and with the new leadership the LPGA tour has gained strength. The LPGA has yet to hire a woman commissioner. Kahn provides an interesting historical perspective of the estab- lishment and growth of the LPGA . Included are excerpts from the lives of 50 women professional golfers for the reader to understand the issues that surrounded their lives and how important is was and is to be a member of the Ladies Professional golf tour. Through

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