Yee notches unusual political win on LPGA English language requirement

SAN FRANCISCO - State Sen. Leland Yee notched an unusual political win this week after convincing the nation's female professional golf association to rescind a rule requiring its players to be able to speak English.

Yee (D-San Francisco) was able to marshal the forces of some 50 organizations to oppose a policy by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) to suspend players who could not efficiently speak the language.

"While it is quite unfortunate that in the 21st century any organization would think such a policy is acceptable, I am pleased that the LPGA heard the millions of American voices who opposed this unfair, unreasonable, and discriminatory mandate," Yee said in a press statement.

Continuing, Yee said that despite there being no relevance to the sport, the LPGA claimed that it was important for players to be able to interact with American media and event sponsors. The senator added that no other professional sports league in the United States has such a mandate. 

Knowing when to call retreat, the LPGA issued a contrite statement on Friday.

"The LPGA has received valuable feedback from a variety of constituents regarding the recently announced penalties attached to our effective communications policy," LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said. "We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions. After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every Tour player...."