Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Presidents Cup or other, LPGA would love opportunity to play in mixed-gender event

Written by 
Published in Golf
Saturday, 24 September 2022 06:27

JERSEY CITY N.J. — The U.S. has lost only one of 13 Presidents Cups. And with Team USA on the brink of another lopsided win, there's been chatter of adding women to the event to make the competition more competitive and entertaining. 

Integrating the biennial event would certainly even out the teams, as 13 of the current Rolex Ranking's top 20 players would be eligible for the International team (non-U.S. or Europe natives). In this year's Presidents Cup, only three International players are ranked higher than the lowest-ranked U.S. player — Kevin Kisner, the world No. 25. 

LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan told GolfChannel.com Friday at Liberty National Golf Club that the LPGA is interested in competing with the world's top male players. However, mixing the Presidents Cup seems unlikely at the moment. 

"We are always looking for opportunities to play with the men and get the very best women and the very best men together," Samaan said. "Obviously, the Presidents Cup is a PGA Tour event, but we're constantly maintaining a great relationship with (the PGA Tour) and constantly talking about opportunities, but nothing specific on the Presidents Cup."

Samaan added: "We're focused on playing together and integrating the two tours, without speculating on specific events, but we're always interested in partnering with the (PGA Tour) and getting the men and women together." 

The LPGA's inaugural Mizuho Americas Open — hosted by Michelle Wie West — is coming to Liberty National Golf Club in May '23.

One player who has experience playing against the men is Michelle Wie West. The 32-year-old, who stepped away from the LPGA earlier this year, received a sponsor's exemption into the Tour's 2004 Sony Open in Hawaii, where she shot a second-round 68 — the lowest round by a female in a Tour event.

Playing together with the men in a team event, however, is something she and many other female players would like to see.

"As players, that's something we've been talking about internally for years," Wie West told GolfChannel.com. "We have such a strong international presence. We also have such a strong American presence. And with the success of our Solheim Cup, we've always wanted to bring the internationals as well and I think it would be so amazing if it was men's and women's." 

As the women's game continues to grow, playing against those such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas would increase the LPGA's exposure — and vice versa. 

"I just think (playing with the men) it's fun," Wie West said. "When I used to live in (Jupiter, Florida), I used to hang out with the guys all the time and I learned a lot from them and we like the interaction and I think they really enjoy it as well. And I think the fans are kind of itching to see that as well and I think something as iconic as the Presidents Cup, if we can make that leap, I think it will be really beneficial for both the men's tour and our tour." 

Read 130 times

Soccer

Ronaldo, 39, wants to to defy age, continue career

Ronaldo, 39, wants to to defy age, continue career

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCristiano Ronaldo has said he has no plans of slowing down at the a...

Source: Tuchel open to stay, wary of Man Utd snub

Source: Tuchel open to stay, wary of Man Utd snub

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThomas Tuchel is open to remaining as Bayern Munich coach amid conc...

Ederson ruled out for title decider, FA Cup final

Ederson ruled out for title decider, FA Cup final

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEderson will miss Manchester City's last Premier League game as wel...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Bickerstaff future a question for Cavs; Mitchell, too

Bickerstaff future a question for Cavs; Mitchell, too

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- After Cleveland saw its season end in a 113-98 loss to th...

Luka keeps peace with refs, dominates pivotal G5

Luka keeps peace with refs, dominates pivotal G5

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOKLAHOMA CITY -- Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, quite inte...

Baseball

MLB Power Rankings: The AL and NL Central are rising -- which teams are in our top 10?

MLB Power Rankings: The AL and NL Central are rising -- which teams are in our top 10?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWhile some of the usual players dominate our list, five of our top...

Scherzer to 60-day IL; can't return until May 28

Scherzer to 60-day IL; can't return until May 28

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Max Scherzer was transferred to the 60-day inju...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated