LPGA Futures Tour Should Be Held Higher

I know that for reasons (some of which I cannot explain) women’s golf get put into the background when it comes to coverage. You could bring the “usual arguments” for ratings, ad revenue, etc. as the “culprit” for the LPGA getting very little exposure. In fact, sometimes, the LPGA is on a tape-delayed basis. I find that a little disturbing to be honest.

I’m aware of the deals that the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour have in place with the networks. That explains a lot actually. But there’s something happening this weekend that maybe even one that considers him or herself the most ardent golf fan is completely unaware of: The LPGA Futures Tour is having its tour championship this weekend. Actually, the Price Chopper Tour Championship from Capital Hills at Albany in Albany, New York.

Now, please do not stop reading or start closing your browser. Please listen for just a bit.

This weekend, the PGA, Nationwide and Champions tours all have the week off from competitive play. The LPGA has the spotlight…on the Golf Channel. Not NBC. Not ABC. Not CBS. Nothing against the Golf Channel one bit. I watch it almost as much as my Cincinnati Reds), but to have the final two rounds on a “major network” would have been all right. I know…the NFL starts…tonight…and into Sunday. CBS has the NFL and the US Open this weekend. So where’s the others?

So no major network has the LPGA coverage. The Futures tour with no coverage at all. Well, that’s not entirely true. There will be live streaming on LPGAFuturesTour.com. That’s it. The “big boys” can show both the men’s and women’s amateur championships while these young ladies will be putting it all on the line in Albany…and hardly anyone will notice. A lot of golf fans will know who won those amateur championships, but very few will know the ten ladies that will be gaining their LPGA tour cards after the last ball drops into the final hole on Sunday. It’s a possible career changing moment.

Isn’t a part of golf that makes watching it enjoyable? Seeing those moments that can change a career? A life even? Darren Clarke winning Open Championship this year. The Mickelson’s embracing after Lefty’s last Masters win. You cannot write it. It happens. There could be a moment like that in Albany, New York this weekend.

And back to the LPGA for just a brief moment. Their coverage is from 3 PM to 6 PM, Friday through Sunday. Surely there’s a way for the LPGA Futures final and most important tournament of the year to make its way into a TV schedule somewhere other than a live stream. Find the means to make fans aware of the tour as a whole. Let these ladies showcase their talents. If you enjoy good golf, I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed.

I stated a couple of reasons why those in position may never consider airing the LPGA Futures final tourney. Run all the numbers you wish, and I’m sure they could be applicable. But you never know until you try. I say that based on the fact that I never knew the Futures Tour existed until watching Big Break. It’s time to let more of the world know of this little gem we have.

I believe these ladies deserve a chance to shine. Someone, somewhere needs to make that happen. This video will fill you in…

Tags: LPGA Futures Tour, Price Chopper Tour Championship