bullfinch
Full Member
UK based fan of women's golf and Korean players in particular
Posts: 172
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Post by bullfinch on Aug 30, 2023 12:19:46 GMT
I've got some questions on the LPGA tour which hopefully some of you guys can help answer. In regard to logistics and the 50+ flights the players have to make each year who books and pays for these? I guess the players have to contribute but does the LPGA help with itineraries and maybe route deals? What about hotels and accommodation?
I can see the prize money is getting better each year and I know the top players have sponsorship deals which can bring in big bucks but let's say you're outside the top 100 with few sponsor deals it looks like its going to be a struggle to make ends meet. I do realise most players come from rich families so bank of mum & dad will help so can't see anyone giving up for lack of cash.
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Post by philknj on Aug 31, 2023 9:32:14 GMT
The article above mentions some future help for the bottom feeders, especially a stipend for flying to Hawaii to play Lotte.
Maybe the LPGA negotiates a cheap(er) airfare if they promise to get 50 players on the same flight ... I really don't know. At the 2017 USWO, I remember hearing about 20 players taking a charter from Green Bay to NJ. I assume a player's management company is also involved in these decisions and maybe the player individually, too. This was Marina Alex on her phone at the 2021 Shoprite/Acer -
“Can you talk to her about my flight ... they have me on the red eye ... I’m going through Seattle ... I flew to Tampa ... I booked my own flight to L.A. ... I just can’t do another red eye ... if I book a flight on my own, will they compensate me? ... after practice, I’ll do some research on flights and call you back ... I’m a little too old to do that anymore.” (chuckles)
As for lodging, a lot of players stay with host families ... how you get to be a host family, I have no idea. In the case of Shoprite/Acer, I think some of the players stay in the villas across from the driving range ... I assume the Seaview resort gives them a break. The villas probably have kitchen facilities because I've seen Christina Kim pushing a cart full of stuff at the Galloway Shoprite. The Seaview also has its regular hotel there ... don't know if it's only for civilians during tournament week.
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Post by HappyFan on Aug 31, 2023 15:08:34 GMT
I always assumed that host families were members of whatever country club was hosting the event and just volunteered to put up players if anyone needed that.
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