LPGA Players Encouraged to Twitter During Rounds?
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Would you like to know what Michelle Wie is thinking on the golf course? Have you ever wondered how Paula Creamer feels after sinking a long birdie putt? If LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens has her way, you could get that info as it happens… even during tournaments.
From Bloomberg.com:
LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens says she wouldn’t mind players using social media Web sites during a competitive round.
“I’d love it if players Twittered during the middle of a round,” Bivens said in an interview, according to Bloomberg News. “The new media is very important to the growth of golf and we view it as a positive, and a tool to be used.”
Bivens said she “encourages” players to update their Twitter or Facebook pages in the middle of a tournament.
The LPGA’s focus on social media is a relatively new development. In early May, players were encouraged to join Twitter and other social networking sites in an effort to connect more effectively with fans. As a result: Christina Kim, Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis, Anna Rawson and many other LPGA players now allow fans a glimpse into their lives on and off the course via the magic of Twitter.
This “suggestion” from Commissioner Bivens would certainly take it to the next level. And honestly, I think it’s an interesting but unrealistic idea and I’m sure many players will feel the same way.
In this day and age it is important for players to connect with fans and potential sponsors in every possible way, including social media. On the other hand, it takes a tremendous amount of focus to compete at the highest level of any sport and golf is certainly no different. I’m guessing some players would find it too distracting while others would welcome the opportunity. LPGA player Paige Mackenzie had this to say via her Twitter account:
Lots of ?s bout Twitter during the round – could be amazing, love it. How much fun for followers, and what if they had tweets on TV too?!
There is also the possibility that twittering during a competitive round would be outside the USGA’s Rules of Golf. Rule 14-3 states that a player may not use any equipment “that might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play.” The penalty for violation of Rule 14-3 is disqualification. The following note is also included in the USGA’s etiquette guidelines, “players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.”
If the USGA decides that the use of Twitter does not violate any rules you may be able to get updates from your favorite LPGA players… in real time.
It’s funny, when I first joined Twitter in March of 2007 I never imagined there would ever be a question of LPGA players Twittering during a tournament. Back then there were only a few thousand people on, a handful of golfers, and people tweeted about what they had for dinner the new trick their dog learned.
I know what you mean. I started a new Twitter account when I decided to revive this blog but my original account goes back to June of 2007. Things have certainly changed since then and it’s becoming more mainstream by the day.
[...] players posting to their Twitter pages during tournament rounds. If not, here is her quote from the original article: “I’d love it if players Twittered during the middle of a round,” Bivens said in an [...]