Some Blogger Writes About Grace

[bangkokbobby]

It's obvious this fool doesn't have a clue about Our Grace!

LPGA Could Use A Touch Of Grace

[LoJo]

Nice article BKB. The thing that separated Grace from other Koreans (or Asians) was her 'crossover' appeal, as you said. In addition, her English is perfect, which is just a HUGE plus.

There are other Asian LPGA players who are quite fluent in English, most of whom attended US Universities. Pearl Sinn, Candie Kung and Aree Song come to mind, but none of them have had the appeal or the winning record of Grace Park.

Hope she has a successful return to the LPGA.

[bangkokbobby]

Originally Posted by LoJo

Nice article BKB. The thing that separated Grace from other Koreans (or Asians) was her 'crossover' appeal, as you said. In addition, her English is perfect, which is just a HUGE plus.

There are other Asian LPGA players who are quite fluent in English, most of whom attended US Universities. Pearl Sinn, Candie Kung and Aree Song come to mind, but none of them have had the appeal or the winning record of Grace Park.

Hope she has a successful return to the LPGA.

Thanks! As my first foray into the sports blogosphere (I had a livejournal blog about Asian issues a few years ago), I decided to dedicate my first entry to my favorite LPGA player (non-Thai), Grace Park.

You're right, there are other Asian players that spent a lot of time in the USA and speak fluent English, but as you pointed out, Grace had a special crossover appeal and a superlative winning record that at her best exceeded those others.

It's strange, though...when Grace won the Kraft Nabisco, Aree Song really pushed her. I thought Aree was going to be a superstar, and it may still happen, but to date it hasn't happened. I do realize Aree has a medical issue, but even before that, she kind of was fading a bit.

I think it's fairly obvious I am a Seoul Sister fan. I just wish the media and general LPGA fans did a little more to get to know them, other than Wie and Christina. When I turn on broadcasts and see another fluff piece on Wie, Creamer, Gulbis, etc...I mean, I understand they are popular...but how do you expect anybody to get to know other players when every week there are profiles of the same usual suspects on each broadcast?

When I read blogs like this:
LPGA Status Quo Petesopinion Blog

...where somebody just comes out and says the Koreans should go back to Korea, it makes my skin crawl...it's funny though, two of the players he says can save the tour, Michelle Wie and Vicky Hurst, are both Korean-American!

[Saint-Just X]

Originally Posted by bangkokbobby

When I read blogs like this:
LPGA Status Quo Petesopinion Blog

...where somebody just comes out and says the Koreans should go back to Korea, it makes my skin crawl...it's funny though, two of the players he says can save the tour, Michelle Wie and Vicky Hurst, are both Korean-American!

Look at this way,BKB : it just makes it all the more sweeter when the Asian golfers win,knowing how much it annoys pricks like that...

Pax Vobiscum
Saint-Just X

[ctmurray]

I have noticed when Judy Rankin is commenting she tries to give some background and detail to some of the Korean players. I think it is getting better from that perspective.

[Putter]

The thing I don't get from this guy is how the powers that be at the LPGA are going to "make" the Americans and Europeans more competitive.

I think the biggest complaint from LPGA fans in North America is the "Korean translator acceptance speeches" which brings us right back to the "learn English" crap that went on. Why is it so many embraced Se Ri Pak when she had English problems? Whether anyone likes it or not, a lot of the Koreans are going to have to learn some English - enough to make an acceptance speech without a translator - before North Americans in general will accept them. Personally, I don't care, but a lot of people do.

[bangkokbobby]

Just a note that this is also posted on our blog now as well...and I am very grateful...love doing blogs...and it's good to support the mylpga blog...actually, it's good to support the LPGA in general...

http://www.mylpga.com/blog/uncategor...ouch-of-grace/

...I've considered doing a Ji Yai Shin entry...but I'm a little hesitant...actually, I was wary of doing the Grace Park entry, even though I'm a big Grace fan...all the time over at seoulsisters.com makes me think every time I consider doing a blog entry about a Seoul Sister, it will pale in comparison to what HappyFan could do...but maybe I'll still do one about Ji Yai...it might not be as detailed as what HF would do...in fact, I know it won't be...but I'll try to make sure it's as well written as I can make it and it will be done with a great deal of admiration and respect for Ji Yai...

...if I do it...

[greentee]

Originally Posted by Putter

The thing I don't get from this guy is how the powers that be at the LPGA are going to "make" the Americans and Europeans more competitive.

I think the biggest complaint from LPGA fans in North America is the "Korean translator acceptance speeches" which brings us right back to the "learn English" crap that went on. Why is it so many embraced Se Ri Pak when she had English problems? Whether anyone likes it or not, a lot of the Koreans are going to have to learn some English - enough to make an acceptance speech without a translator - before North Americans in general will accept them. Personally, I don't care, but a lot of people do.

My thoughts on what you say.

When Se Ri got on the LPGA scene, language was not a big thing, because there was no Asian threat to their players overall.

Now there is, and is mostly used as an excuse to prop up their players failing, in their and their media eyes. Some times its hard to take reality that your 'folks', are just out worked, and out dedicated, and need to pick up their game and intensity.

It is the same in other countries to, when a 'Foreigner' makes big news in 'your country', and then the pride and ego come to the for-front to protect the local image. And the first thing targeted is difference, and in that sense language often takes the first shot.

In truth, all things take time, and do evolve and change/adapt to the the new environments ... only most folks are not very patient to take the time to see that. Which one could also blame on the effects of this modern ramped-up paced technology societies we all have to deal with. And we make mountains out of mole hills.... as most every news items you see in paper, or visual media, is hyped far out of proportion to stimulate us to do just that, and not wait, but react.

Language is no big deal... on the Internet we already have found ways to speak with ease in many tongues ... and still find we like each other much. Countries are slower to change internally ... but it well happen.

So to me, I do not see the big stink most do about language issues in golf. As a fan its not the end of the world for me.... for a businessman who's corp depends on fast communication to be profitable, it is and can be an issue. And they, are smart, they initiate language courses free of charge, and as soon as possible.

Maybe we Canadians, (in general), are just more open minded on such things, when it comes to things like limited fields such as sports. Our Government though is slow to react in the biz realm, and let down a lot of top tech immigrants when they first invited them here.... our bureaucracy to is naturally slow, but changing, now finally for the good. I better stop here- I think I derailed my train, and I ain't got no more function at me junction.

All this on a Grace's folder and an article about her.... I do get carried away, and talk way too much.... and wonder around too much to, sorry y'all. Some times I just like to hear, (read), myself talk, (write),... sorta kinda pinching myself to see if I am still alive.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=13119879

[Hoot]

Nice article indeed........good job. But what I wish someone could shed some light on how Grace is recovering from her surgery. I'm not surprised she has not come back this year as some suggested. But how is she doing? Sadly, given the state of the LPGA I'm not sure I'll see her play in my state. Hope that's not the case, but not holding my breath. Two different topics..........got a little distracted. I do miss Grace on tour. ciao!