Carolyn Bivens

Carolyn Bivens (born December 29, 1952 in Oklahoma City) is the current commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), having been appointed to the position in 2005. She is the seventh person and the first woman to hold the position of LPGA Commissioner in the 55-year history of the LPGA.

Bivens was previously president and chief operating officer of Initiative Media North America, the largest media services agency in the United States and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies. In her role as president and chief operating officer of Initiative Media North America. She also worked at at "USA Today", where she led the worldwide advertising operations for "USA Today" and "USA Today"’s international edition. In 2002, "Electronic Media" magazine named Bivens one of the most powerful women in television.

In August 2008 under Bivens' tenure, the LGPA instituted a policy requiring all players to speak English by 2009 or face suspension. [http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1836145,00.html] The Tour held a mandatory meeting with South Korean players only without giving a written explanation for the policy. No details regarding how players' English proficiency will be evaluated are available.

In addition, LPGA has not indicated that it will provide education or classes for those players who do not meet its English-proficiency requirement. Shortly after the announcement, LPGA has reversed its position on this mandatory requirement after receiving many negative feedback including possible lawsuit for discrimination.

External links

* [http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=4284&mid=4 Bivens ready to take LPGA reins] LPGA.com
* [http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/sports/epaper/2006/11/13/a1c_bivens_1113.html LPGA Tour commisioner looks back]