Oddsocks
Ryder Cup Winner
LP, I get that but unfortunately that happens a lot in life mate.
The commercial value of female golfers.
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Biggleswade Blue
Head Pro
LiverpoolPhil has hit the nail on the head.
There is no place for this in today's world in any sphere, not just golf. Men and women have a part to play in that.
freddielong
Tour Winner
Womens golf is so far behind the men's game in almost every way, I would argue that the man's elite amateur game is better and would return better viewing figures.
Appearance is the only way of upping their sponsorship deals.
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Then the Women's game needs to work harder to achieve parity with the Men's game.
It's worked in Tennis. Although you've had some of the girl modelling, it hasn't detracted from the LTA as the product itself is strong enough to combat it.
The LPGA, outside of America and Asia, means little to most and even within that area it doesn't mean enough to many.
Is the standard high enough, I don't really know because I don't/can't watch it.
There is so little on TV because the ratings are too low.
Someone needs to take a punt on throwing some serious money at it, a World Tour or something.
Otherwise things will continue.
It's also worth noting that the girls that do the photoshoots are not, generally, among the best players. The best players don't need to do it, they get enough from their winnings and sponsorship. Carly, Paige etc etc are not earning enough out of golf so have to supplement their income and this is possibly the only way they can.
Until Women's Golf takes off and begins to catch Men's Golf, it's going to happen whether we like it or not.
And if it gets more people watching then surely it has to be a good thing even if it's a bad thing.....
It's worked in Tennis. Although you've had some of the girl modelling, it hasn't detracted from the LTA as the product itself is strong enough to combat it.
The LPGA, outside of America and Asia, means little to most and even within that area it doesn't mean enough to many.
Is the standard high enough, I don't really know because I don't/can't watch it.
There is so little on TV because the ratings are too low.
Someone needs to take a punt on throwing some serious money at it, a World Tour or something.
Otherwise things will continue.
It's also worth noting that the girls that do the photoshoots are not, generally, among the best players. The best players don't need to do it, they get enough from their winnings and sponsorship. Carly, Paige etc etc are not earning enough out of golf so have to supplement their income and this is possibly the only way they can.
Until Women's Golf takes off and begins to catch Men's Golf, it's going to happen whether we like it or not.
And if it gets more people watching then surely it has to be a good thing even if it's a bad thing.....
Del_Boy
Head Pro
Does anyone actually know what Carly, Paige etc want. Do they want to be talked more about their golf or the way they look or don't care?
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
Good post.
rksquire
Head Pro
I think the title of the thread summarizes the situation perfectly - as in, what is the commercial value of a female golfer? The same question could be posed for the men ie Under Armour, Zurich, Santander or any sports star (head & shoulders!). Part of the commercial value is the height the individual has reached in the sport or career, but not always. Sometimes it comes down to other things, for example, personality (reality show rejects!), reputation (Vinnie jones) or appearance (Kournikova (sp!).
I’ve no issue with Booth in a bikini in a mag, or McIlroy topless in a mag. Similarly, I’d say Paige Spiranac is doing more to grow the Womens game than Inbee Park. Is it fair that Park is more talented but not getting the attention & commercial reward? Unfortunately, yes. More people want to see Paige. The same way Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper get more money and commercial opportunities than Steve Buschemi.
At the moment, both Booth and Spiranac make more money from off-course activities. Golf has afforded them that luxury, but both now know that they’ll never reach the pinnacle of that sport so must take advantage of all commercial opportunities. Are we to be similarly critical of Jess Ennis?
It’s why McIlroy has/ had deals with Bose, Omega, Jumeirah, Oakley etc. He has commercial value because he’s good at his sport. Spiranac because she’s attractive but is transcending a sport she’s good at but not yet professional.
I’ve no issue with Booth in a bikini in a mag, or McIlroy topless in a mag. Similarly, I’d say Paige Spiranac is doing more to grow the Womens game than Inbee Park. Is it fair that Park is more talented but not getting the attention & commercial reward? Unfortunately, yes. More people want to see Paige. The same way Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper get more money and commercial opportunities than Steve Buschemi.
At the moment, both Booth and Spiranac make more money from off-course activities. Golf has afforded them that luxury, but both now know that they’ll never reach the pinnacle of that sport so must take advantage of all commercial opportunities. Are we to be similarly critical of Jess Ennis?
It’s why McIlroy has/ had deals with Bose, Omega, Jumeirah, Oakley etc. He has commercial value because he’s good at his sport. Spiranac because she’s attractive but is transcending a sport she’s good at but not yet professional.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Jess Ennis gets deals because she is also very good
Your last paragraph sums it up
McIlroy gets the deals because he is good
Paige gets the deals because she is pretty and it's not right or fair that Park doesn't gain more - just shows how shallow the world is
freddielong
Tour Winner
Inbee Park is good at a sport that has little commercial value (women's golf). The others are making the best of the situation they are in.
Whilst I agree with all of that.
Unfortunately, marketing will always have an element of it. I agree that their skill level should get them the initial attention. But when your image is then used to sell a product, then your look has to be deemed right. I remember Iain Dowie having a few good months at Saints, not sure he ever made the cover of our programmes though.....
rksquire
Head Pro
But then the debate opens up more. For example, Is it right that Ennis gets commercial reward (and I agree she's excellent at her sport) but someone like Adlington (was also excellent) or Ohuruogu does not. What's the difference... why do more people lean towards Ennis? Personality (yes), but more than likely appearance. I suspect Ennis would also get deals if she was average.
I agree though, the world is shallow. For that reason, I'm throwing open the #AdamScottIsTooPrettyForTheMasters campaign!
Del_Boy
Head Pro
I reckon Paige gets the deals because she shifts more product than Park would
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
Another good post I feel. Like it or not attractive people have an advantage in some areas. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blo...bout-why-beautiful-people-are-more-successful And certain sports people (plus film stars, news readers etc etc) use this to their advantage. I can pretty much guarantee if Beckham looked like Ian Dowie he would not be half as successful as he has been.
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D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Based on her looks as opposed to her golfing ability
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
So what's the answer...?
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
Based on the overall package that sponsors are looking for to represent their brand. And looks are a factor in that package that makes someone attractive to a sponsor.
bobmac
Major Champion
Does Susan Boyle play golf?
Del_Boy
Head Pro
Based on her looks and some golfing ability
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
It's all about her looks let's be honest - if she wasn't pretty then no one would know who she is.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
I don't know.