There’s been an awful lot going on recently in the world of golf – so much so that it’s difficult to know where to start this week’s musings.
Let’s start with Mel Reid, one of England’s best female golfers, who relocated recently from Derby to Florida in a bid to continue her quest to be the best she can be. Vivacious, hard-working and veteran of three Solheim Cup matches, Mel is not afraid to speak her mind and that is exactly what she did in an interview with the Independent’s Tom Kershaw. When asked about inequality in golf her response was “I think it’s getting worse.”
She then cited an incident from July 2018 when former world No 1 Inbee Park, who’s won seven major championships and an Olympic gold medal, called up a manufacturer to request a replacement 3-wood. The response? “We don’t support women’s golf.”
That’s beyond shocking.
Mel chose not to name and shame the company, probably fearing jeopardising any deals some of the women players may have managed to negotiate with the big multi-nationals. That’s a real pity. This company should be named and shamed and when I replace my aging set of clubs this year I certainly do not wish to inadvertently support a company that could utter such a crass statement. When I find out the culprit, I shall certainly name them in this blog; and if that doesn’t terrify them, it should…….!!I have felt for a while that the equality movement in golf is gathering pace from the ground up but that from the top down it is found woefully wanting. Gary Player, ever creative and provocative, has suggested in an interview with the Ladies’ European Tour that he would like to see the male professionals donate “a lousy 1%” of their winnings to women’s golf for the general good health of the game.
Nice idea, Gary, but can you really see it happening? Mind you, that would mean that Adam Scott and Justin Rose, having just surpassed the $50 million dollar mark in their PGATOUR earnings alone, would jointly contribute $1 million to the women’s game. Hmmm, hope this latest Player idea doesn’t take decades to catch on like his fitness craziness did. But then, Gary always was ahead of his time.

Gary Player, lithe and limber at 83 and getting the big picture. For the health of our game women’s golf must be supported. [LET]
On a final note, huge congratulations to a longtime friend of mine, Marta Figueras Dotti, about whom I have penned a few words on other occasions. Marta, from Madrid, is the chairman of the Ladies’ European Tour and has been honoured with the gold medal by the Madrid Golf Association as they celebrate their 50th year. At the celebration dinner she was introduced to the great and the good of golf in Spain as “the first Spanish player to compete on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA, with victories on both tours, who led and inspired all the Spanish players that are now in competition and who is now chariman of the Ladies European Tour.” In reality, to list Marta’s achievements in the global game would take an entire blog of its own but her influence and inspiration have touched many and this honour is thoroughly deserved.
It also means that we can share a lovely, celebratory bottle of Rioja when next we meet.
The treatment of Inbee Park was truly shocking (and I’m a mere male)
Working on the tour and attended our first ladies events in 2018 at Gullane and Royal Lytham. Amazed on how little support the ladies got compared to the men’s tour. Disgusting and totally agree with you Maureen and because this happens it was difficult to set things up with the tour.
I think all these companies should be named. I for one would certainly change my buying habits if I knew the culprits.
An important male, Ivan!
You got it MO! Rioja is waiting for you! Thank you for this wonderful article and beautiful words about me and our friendship. I think of you often and love your writings!
A TOTAL DISGRACE THE WAY INBEE WAS TREATED,COULD NOT AGREE MORE WITH YOU MAUREEN.
Women’s golf shoes also a problem! Supposedly less than 10% of the market so retailers not interested in using space for women’s shoes. . Guess some women must be playing barefoot though as we are supposed to be about 16-18% of golfers.
I had the absolute honor to meet and work with Marta Figueras Dotti way back in 1992 as I began as a Chiropractor for various LPGA Tour events thru 2001. Marta was in all ways a Class Act, A #1, individual. I am not the least bit surprised of her accomplishments as she so richly deserves every bit of success! She is following the path that her Father carved years ago and she will continue to WIDEN THE ROAD for Many young Spanish women to succeed thru the beautiful game of Golf. BRAVO Marta!! I am so thrilled to write this to say that I am grateful that our paths crossed in this lifetime!! You are a very bright memory in my life! I wish for you continued success and many more honors,…
Most Sincerely, Kurt S. Titze, DC
Please find out what company(s) have done this. Huge boycott coming their way!
Sadly, this has gone on forever…back in Tiger’s starting days, Nike was just getting into golf and the we women of the LPGA were the first tour players to support them. Dame Laura Davies was the #1 woman player in the world that year and was offered an endorsement of $2000 by Nike, while they paid Tiger $40 million! I’ve avoided Nike products ever since. Thanks for speaking up Mel!
Beth Ann Nichols covered In Bee Park’s issue in depth in the August 18th, 2028 issue of Golfweek. Mel has it a bit wrong. In Bee switched from TaylorMade to Srixon. The request was for 3 clubs made by her caddie to the on-site TaylorMade rep. Company policy states The only players who get free product from TaylorMade MUST play the TaylorMade driver.
BTW-Not ONE manufacturer showed up with product of any kind at The inaugural US Senior Women’s Open-total disgrace.
On a more positive note congratulations to Marta Figueruas Dotti. What a steady hand she will provide the LET! Well done and all the best to Marta.
Keep up the great writing MM
Beth Ann Nichols covered this completely in the August 18, 2018 issue of Golfweek. Mel had this a bit wrong. In Bee needed 3 clubs replaced-her caddie spoke to the Taylormade rep and was told only players using the TaylorMade Driver were given free sticks. In Bee left TaylorMade for Srixon the previous season. TaylorMade was named right from the start. The whole thing is a sorry mess but there is no retribution to worry about as all facts were reported 6 months ago.
On a more positive note congrats to Marta Figueras Dotti-the LET couldn’t be in more capable hands. Well done!
Thanks for the update, Mary.
Thanks for your insight – and for reading!
Thanks Martha. It takes a long, long time to effect a change, doesn’t it?
It’s not good, is it?
Thank you, Kurt, for your words about Marta. I am posting them on our website but will also send them privately to her.