Would have to agree Roy.

This is more bad news for the LPGA. Wie and Gulbis are two of the more marketable stars on tour. They just can't catch a break. A lot has been made of the scheduling. Wie and Gulbis had to qualify the very next day after a Major. Apparently this has always been the schedule, but it seems unfair.

This is yet another "black mark" for Michelle Wie. It seems like just yesterday Wie was dis-respecting the womens game and acting as though the LPGA was just a "stepping stone" to PGA glory. Now several years later she is still winless, and she can't even qualify for the women's open, never mind the mens. She has really been mis-managed. I hope she can recover. But at 14 she was ahead of progress. Now at 19 or 20 she is behind it.


I think this will hurt the tour when it comes to TV ratings for the tournament. It will hurt attendance too. The gallaries at the last LPGA Major were real bad. Attendance was light. It was dull scene. No excitment. No roars from the crowd. It was a dud. For the LPGA, when it rains, it really does pour!

To T-rex:

I myself am surprised at the attendance at that tournament,because the LPGA is one of the best deals around to watch...Their ticket prices are very reasonably priced,even for an unemployed guy like me,and they do play some great golf.I'm planning on attending this years Jamie Farr,because the tickets are affordable.

I myself don't think the absence of either Gulbis or Wie is going to affect the TV ratings,because I know I will be watching it.

What has hurt all the tours(including the LPGA) is that sponsors of these tournaments are dropping them because of the economy.Times are hard right now,and when I read in the Detroit Free Press this morning that this might be the last year of the Jamie Farr Classic(because their sponsorship ends this year and has still not been renewed),I myself couldn't believe it.Owens Corning is one of the biggest sponsors left,and if they are losing money,then it is bad.Jamie Farr himself said there is a 50-50 chance this tournament will be around next year,and that is a sad situation.

I'll be attending this tournament tomorrow to show my support for them,and I hope this tournament can survive in this economy.

I would also hope that it will survive the economy, enjoy and have fun !!

My report of the second round of the Jamie Farr:

Most of my day today was spent following and watching the group of Michelle,Natalie,and Jiyai Shin through their round,and I sure watched a lot of birdies from this particular group.They all played extremely well.Shin was hot with the putter in the early going,sinking a couple of putts from the front fringe,and just barely missing a couple of others.Michelle and Natalie got rolling as the round continued,and for a little while it looked like Michelle might grab a share of the lead before the day was up,as she was 10 under heading to the final hole,but she three putted the 18th for a double bogey.Natalie played very steady the entire round.This was a very good group to follow.

One funny incident happened to Michelle on the 17th green.While she was ready to putt for birdie,an insect of some sort landed on her left shoulder just as she was ready to putt.She immediately backed off the putt,and her caddy came over to swat it off...For that,he also got an ovation from the gallery...And to Michelle's credit,she couldn't be bugged at that moment,because she made the birdie putt.

These women can hit the ball straight as an arrow and a lot farther than I probably ever will,and for that I admire them.

If this tournament survives(which I hope it will,because I REALLY enjoyed it),I will be attending it again.

Great report, thanks for taking the time and giving us all the info. !!!

Glad ya had a great time and saw some great golf also !!!!!

No problem,Cobra...And I forgot to mention this.I have watched the LPGA for years on television,and the TV just doesn't do these women any justice,because they are much better looking in person.I myself was very surprised by that,although I shouldn't be.

TV sort of gives you a false impression of their physical features,because many of them are actually very petite,and quite well conditioned.For some reason,they all look bigger on the television.

I agree, they are different in person !!! And they sure have a nice smooth swing,,,, !!!