Nancy Lopez for LPGA Commissioner?

What do you think?

Much has taken place since I left the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic a week ago. It was there that the now infamous ‘dinner meeting’ took place where 15 of the LPGA Tour’s top players met and discussed the ‘no confidence’ issue with Carolyn Bivens, LPGA Commissioner.

We know that Ms. Bivens is no longer at the helm, which given what has happened to the tour under her leadership, appears to be a good thing.  Her business plan itself isn’t the overall culprit.  It seems it was more her poor execution and unwillingness to bend in these tough economic times.

What we don’t know is to whom the mantle will pass.  As soon as I heard about the call for Bivens’ resignation I threw out Nancy Lopez’s name as a ‘logical’ choice to step in and try to rebuild the ‘good will’ lost under Bivens term.

Is this really a ‘logical’ choice?  Nancy certainly has the respect of tour players past and present, good rapport with many tournament owners and sponsors and business experience with her golf line, Nancy Lopez Golf, and her involvement with other projects including golf course design at The Villages in Florida.  But does she have everything that is needed to take on the position of LPGA Commissioner full-time?

Bigger Question:  Would Nancy be willing to step in and bring some much needed cohesiveness to the tour?  After all, she still wants to play in more events and more importantly, she isn’t keen on spending a lot of time away from her family. Does she want to see the LPGA ‘get back on track’?  Well, that is a no-brainer, after all, she IS the most recognizable FACE of women’s golf and she cares deeply for the success of her ‘employer’ for the sake of the players, the tour, the sponsors and the tournament owners.

My guess is that on an interim basis, as I suggested in my article, What is Really Happening with the LPGA?, Nancy would be willing to do whatever she can to shore up the flailing tour.  Long term would be another issue both as it relates to Nancy’s interest and the LPGA’s vision going forward.  My hope is the immediate decision is to make Nancy the ‘go to’ person and then take the necessary time sort through the applicants for permanent placement.

The LPGA is facing a critical juncture and will have a very bumpy road going forward.  No one coming in will ‘magically’ cure all problems.  Rebuilding lines of communication and trust take time and have to be ‘re-earned’.  What do you think?  Please weigh in with your comments and ideas.

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Tags: Carolyn Bivens, Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, LPGA, LPGA Commissioner, LPGA Tour, Nancy Lopez, Nancy Lopez Golf, The Villages