Is LPGA's English-only ruling 'un-American' or smart business?

For a sport that has been struggling to gain a bigger share of the overcrowded sports landscape, the LPGA Tour is now getting plenty of attention over its decision to require players be proficient in speaking English by the end of next season.

From blogs to columns to editorials, the decision has sparked numerous debates over whether is necessary or goes beyond reasonable boundaries.

The LPGA will require players to speak English starting in 2009, with players who have been LPGA members for two years facing suspension if they can't pass an oral evaluation of English skills. The rule is effective immediately for new players, but tour officials say they will work closely to avoid any punishment.

LPGA deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told The Associated Press the tour wants to strengthen the relationship its players have with fans, media and sponsors.

There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, including 45 players from South Korea.

Here's how some athletes have reacted to the news, along with a brief glimpse of some commentary filling the Web:

Brooke Wyckoff, Chicago Sky forward who has played in Spain for seven years: "That (the LPGA's new rule) surprises me...

"Before I went overseas, I might have thought that everybody needs to speak English who comes to America because... we speak English here. But having the shoe on the other foot and going over there, it was so great to have people who were sympathetic to me and didn't leave me to fend for myself. I don't know about (the LPGA's new rule). I don't know if I agree with it. I know (the LPGA) wants to be able to promote their sport and it would help them if all the players were able to speak English. But just being on the other side of that, that would be really tough.

"I'm taking Spanish right now just because it's a good skill to have. I haven't done it because I feel obligated."

Candice Dupree, Chicago Sky forward who has played in Poland and Russia the last two off-seasons: "I know when foreigners come over here, they should at least make an attempt to learn our language. When I go play overseas, I might not be fluent, but I try to learn the basics of the language. Fortunately, my teammates (last year in Poland) all spoke English. But I don't think any of my teammates in Russia (the year before) spoke English. When you go out to stores and stuff, people don't know English.

"Last year, I bought a Polish dictionary and tried to learn certain basic words. You almost have to learn the basics. If you don't though, I'm not sure about (suspensions of membership for LPGA players). I think that might be a bit much."

Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver, during a visit in North Chicago on Wednesday: "We've got a lot of guys coming in from different parts of the globe, but we've got a lot of guys that were born in the states that struggle with common English," he said, noting his sport doesn't have the same level of problems as the LPGA. "I think, for the most part, right now what helps us market is personality and the uniqueness of everyone being different and having a different path to get there."

Carlos Zambrano, Cubs pitcher from Venezuela: "If you're in the United States, yeah, you have to do anything possible to at least say something in English. I don't think that rule can come to the big leagues. There are a lot of people who don't know how to speak English. That's why they have translators."

From Deadspin.com: "There are two primary avenues of legal assault to the LPGA's new policy, first: does the policy violate the civil rights laws of the LPGA's home state - Florida; second: what does English proficiency mean as applied? It sounds simple but one test probably doesn't adequately demonstrate English proficiency. Will there be different standards for different ages? Different countries?"

From Golf.com: LPGA's English-only policy is unsportsmanlike and un-American."

Los Angeles Daily News golf columnist Jill Painter: "It makes sense that the tour wants players to speak English. It's easier for players to deal with the media, and it would make sponsors and pro-am partners who pay big bucks to play and chat with tour stars happy. What's unacceptable is the LPGA is threatening a player's livelihood with this demand - and putting a timetable on it."

Ron Sirak, executive editor of GolfWorld magazine: "Players from Mexico, Taiwan and Korea have won the last five major championships. And as the game continues to grow in nontraditional golf countries - Asia and Latin America in particular - the number of world-class players for whom English is not the primary language will only increase. The tightrope being walked here is between a practical and sensible business decision and the appearance of cultural chauvinism."

J.S. Kang, vice president of Sterling Sports Management, which manages four Korean players and other foreign players: "I support the direction in which they are trying to move," Kang said to GolfWorld's Ron Sirak. "The objective of having foreign players spend some time making this a priority as golfers from strictly a commercial standpoint is a positive. It's going to open up (business) opportunities for the players that are not there now."